BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Abelardo De La Espriella, a 47-year-old criminal defense lawyer known as “The Tiger,” is leading in Colombia’s presidential race ahead of the June 21 runoff, running a campaign marked by a combative, macho style that has sparked both fervent support and sharp criticism. Endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, De La Espriella promises a hardline approach to security and governance, positioning himself as a strongman figure with a platform that challenges progressive advances on women’s rights.

De La Espriella has built his campaign on themes of law-and-order and traditional gender roles, frequently dismissing what he calls “gender ideology.” He has expressed personal opposition to abortion and same-sex adoption, while affirming that families, rather than schools, should handle sex education. His proposals include abolishing Colombia’s Ministry of Equality, echoing policies from Argentina’s far-right president Javier Milei, and shrinking the size of the state.

The candidate’s rhetoric often incorporates overt masculinity, with campaign videos showcasing him in workout settings and military-style salutes appealing to a predominantly male base. He has faced accusations of sexism after interrupting a female journalist on air and making inappropriate jokes during public appearances. Additionally, Interior Minister Armando Benedetti accused De La Espriella of using cosmetic enhancements, allegations he dismissed with humor.

Women’s opinions on De La Espriella are divided. Some approve of his tough stance on crime and security. Jennifer Orozco, a graphic designer in Medellín, voiced support for his promise of an "iron fist" against criminals. Carlos Alberto García Palau, a former police officer, described him as embodying “security, family, respect.” Conversely, many women express apprehension about his potential impact on gender rights, viewing his overt machismo as a threat to hard-won protections. Leading feminist intellectual Florence Thomas described her deep concern for the future of women’s rights under his leadership and urged support for Iván Cepeda, De La Espriella’s leftist opponent, who has committed to advancing women’s inclusion and explicitly confronting patriarchy.

De La Espriella has sought to soften concerns about his stance by proposing targeted policies such as 24-hour mobile units for domestic abuse victims and harsh penalties for child sex offenders. He has also presented himself as a family man, frequently appearing with his wife, Ana Lucía Pineda, and describing himself as an “old school feminist” in an ironic tone.

The campaign has been shadowed by controversies surrounding his behavior toward women, including a political judge ruling in favor of an order requiring him to apologize for comments deemed “political violence based on gender.” At the same time, some female supporters have criticized what they see as cancel culture targeting his persona.

Critics warn that De La Espriella’s rise parallels broader regional trends where right-wing populists harness anti-gender rhetoric to curtail women’s rights and social programs under the guise of austerity. Catalina Calderón, director of a U.S.-based women’s equality group, noted that these similarities across Latin America are part of a wider ideological shift.

Journalists covering the campaign have faced intimidation. María Jimena Duzán, a prominent Colombian commentator who has condemned De La Espriella, reported a coordinated attack on her YouTube channel, which Colombia’s principal press freedom organization condemned as part of a disturbing pattern of harassment against the press.

As Colombia prepares to choose its next president, the tension between progressive social advances and a resurgent macho nationalism remains a central fault line, reflecting broader debates underway across Latin America.