Colombia faces political and economic shifts after election of President Abelardo De La Espriella

Colombia’s presidential election saw right‑wing lawyer and businessman Abelardo De La Espriella win, overturning the progressive government of Gustavo Petro despite a recent drop in poverty to a historic 28 % and a decline in extreme poverty and inequality. The result highlights a disconnect between socioeconomic gains and voter support for the incumbent left‑wing administration.

The incoming administration’s agenda has sparked concerns in key sectors. The National Federation of Aviculture (Fenavi) warned that a possible tax reform could extend value‑added tax to basic‑basket items such as chicken and eggs, potentially raising food prices for low‑income families. At the same time, the new finance minister, Miguel Gómez Martínez, signalled a shift in minimum‑wage policy, arguing that future increases should be tied to inflation and productivity rather than political considerations, and critiquing the 23 % raise for 2026 as unsustainable.

Political tension has intensified, with accusations of electoral fraud and calls for investigations into the outgoing government. Analysts note that the stability of Colombia’s institutions and its regional influence depend on whether dialogue can replace confrontation amid these economic and political challenges.