Colombian election sees ultraright candidate Abelardo de la Espriella call for sweeping cuts to state entities

In the Colombian presidential race, candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, representing a new ultraright movement, has outlined a fiscal plan that targets a 4 % reduction of GDP by eliminating, merging or privatising roughly 136 entities within the executive branch, including 13 ministries and dozens of state‑run companies. The proposal argues that the state should intervene only to protect basic individual rights—life, liberty and property—and should withdraw from sectors such as banking, insurance and finance.

The plan has been contrasted publicly with that of Ivan Cepeda, the Pacto Histórico candidate, during a heated debate that has highlighted differing visions for Colombia's future. Commentators have noted that the discourse often employs rhetorical devices, including straw‑man arguments, to frame the opposing candidates as equally risky, despite divergent policy positions.