The far right takes flight in Colombia under Abelardo de la Espriella
Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer making his political debut, has surged in Colombia’s May 31 elections with over 25% voter support, positioning himself as the leading far-right candidate by promoting traditional values and framing the left as a threat. His campaign, backed by ultraconservative parties and amplified by social media, thrives amid widespread discontent with President Gustavo Petro’s government over security, healthcare, and economic issues.
Colombia’s far-right movement has gained unprecedented momentum ahead of the May 31 presidential elections, with Abelardo de la Espriella emerging as its standard-bearer. The lawyer, making his political debut, leads with over 25% voter support in polls, framing his campaign around defending a ‘miracle homeland’ of traditional values, economic prosperity, and security. He dismisses the left—labeling it ‘communism’—and moderate parties as irrelevant, tapping into public frustration with President Gustavo Petro’s administration, particularly over rising violence, healthcare failures, and economic struggles. De la Espriella’s rise mirrors global far-right strategies seen in Argentina, Chile, and El Salvador, where leaders like Javier Milei and Nayib Bukele prioritize solving crises—such as violence—over democratic norms or human rights. His campaign aligns with ultraconservative parties like Salvación Nacional and Christian Colombia Justa Libres, as well as controversial figures such as Congressman Miguel Polo Polo, who has denied Colombia’s paramilitary violence during its guerrilla conflict. Informal support also comes from Senator María Fernanda Cabal and broadcaster Vicky Dávila, both known for radical rhetoric. The far-right’s appeal stems from a broader crisis in Colombia’s political center, where traditional parties lack strong alternatives to address public disillusionment. Analysts, including Franco Delle Donne, author of *Epidemia ultra*, argue that the left retains electoral strength but faces growing rejection due to Petro’s governance challenges. Meanwhile, the far-right exploits social media to bypass traditional media filters, spreading messages—including misinformation—directly to voters through influencers and AI-generated content. De la Espriella’s social media presence has been instrumental in his campaign, allowing him to bypass established political gatekeepers and connect directly with disaffected voters. His use of platforms like TikTok and Facebook, combined with a network of proponents, has amplified his message of radical change, positioning him as the ‘Tiger’—a symbol of strength against Colombia’s political and social instability. The election outcome will be closely watched as a potential barometer for the far-right’s growing influence in Latin America.
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