The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament congratulates conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella on his election as President of Colombia.

In a very close run-off, de la Espriella prevailed against the left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda, marking an important political turning point for the country.

ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said:

“The election of Abelardo de la Espriella to the Presidency of Colombia represents an important signal for the entire Latin American continent. It is a success that reflects the demand for change coming from a significant part of Colombian society and opens a new phase in relations between Europe and Latin America, founded on the values of freedom, democracy and cooperation between friendly nations. I am also convinced that the new President, to whom I offer my congratulations, will be able to deliver the necessary turning point to strengthen our strategic cooperation with Bogotá on economic growth and security.”

ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki said:

“I congratulate Abelardo de la Espriella on a success that gives voice to the concerns of millions of Colombians. Colombia has paid a high price for years of weakness towards criminal organisations, armed groups and narco-communist networks. This election result shows that citizens want order, security and a government that stands with victims rather than with those who terrorise communities. The official process must now be respected, and Colombia must be allowed to proceed peacefully.”

Carlo Fidanza, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, said:

“The victory of the conservative candidate, our friend Abelardo de la Espriella, in Colombia’s presidential election is extraordinary news. The communist left, which was in government until yesterday, will try to refuse to recognise the result. The drug-trafficking cartels will declare war on the new President but the path of freedom has now been laid out. It is the same path that an ever-growing number of Latin American nations are choosing, after the damage caused by narco-socialism. Congratulations to ‘El Tigre’ Abelardo. Viva la Libertad, carajo!”

Against the background of the shooting and subsequent death of conservative candidate Miguel Uribe in the summer of 2025, as well as the continuing violence of armed and criminal networks in Colombia, the ECR Group stresses that the official process must be respected, all constitutional procedures followed, and neither political pressure nor drug cartels allowed to intimidate the Colombian people.

Following years of failed left-wing governments, Latin America is increasingly turning to conservative forces that stand for security, freedom and national renewal. Following the successes for the right wing in Peru and Colombia, attention will now turn to Brazil. Meanwhile, the ECR Group will continue to demand freedom and democracy for the people of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. The ECR Group believes that Latin America is of strategic importance to the European Union. Our two regions are bound by history, culture and shared values, and we must work together as partners to defend freedom, security and economic prosperity.