Colombia has elected nationalist lawyer and political newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella as president, marking a continuation of a notable rightward shift across Latin America. De la Espriella, who received an endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump, defeated left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda by campaigning on promises to tackle crime and corruption, revive the economy, and downsize government spending. His supporters were noted for wearing hats bearing the slogan “Make Colombia Great Again.”
This shift echoes earlier trends beginning with Javier Milei’s election in Argentina in 2023, when he campaigned on drastically reducing government size and embracing free-market policies. Since then, right-leaning or centrist politicians have ascended to power in multiple countries, including Chile, Peru, Honduras, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and El Salvador. Peru’s June 7 runoff election, where conservative Keiko Fujimori is narrowly projected to win, further underscores this movement.
The region’s political realignment arrives amid economic struggles and rising crime rates, issues that have reshaped voter priorities. Many governments on the right have pledged cuts to taxes and government spending, deregulation, and tougher stances on drug trafficking and gangs. For example, De la Espriella has vowed to join the U.S.-backed regional alliance known as the Shield of the Americas, a coalition aimed at combating crime and curbing the influence of China in the region.
Observers highlight how this ideological convergence is unusual in Latin America, with former left-wing strongholds such as Colombia and Peru now led by conservatives. The incoming leaders face significant challenges, including budget deficits and persistent security issues. In Bolivia, protests erupted in response to austerity measures under center-right President Rodrigo Paz, while in Chile, rising fuel prices have dampened President Jose Antonio Kast’s popularity. Argentina’s Milei has also faced recurrent demonstrations linked to his economic reforms.
Despite promises of crackdowns on crime, violence remains a concern. Ecuador saw a 30% increase in murders last year, attributed to gang conflicts, while Costa Rica under right-wing populist Rodrigo Chaves has also experienced surges in violent crime, prompting his successor to vow a fight against criminal activity.
Some analysts note that the political right’s rise in Latin America aligns with broader global trends of nationalist movements and increased U.S. involvement under Trump’s influence. De la Espriella himself, a naturalized U.S. citizen who lived in Miami, has been a vocal Trump supporter and contrasts with his predecessor Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president and a frequent Trump critic.
While Mexico and countries like Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela remain exceptions due to authoritarian tendencies or ruling party dominance, the broader region appears to be experiencing a significant political realignment focused on smaller government, economic liberalization, and security crackdowns. This shift also highlights differing political currents between Latin America and the United States, where progressive factions continue to advocate for expanded government roles despite the region’s move away from such policies.