Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, August 8, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Right-wing lawyer de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia’s new president
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Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella receives the ceremonial staff from Senate President Honorio Henriquez during his inauguration in Cali, Colombia, August 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella is sworn in as Colombia’s new president, after winning a June runoff on promises to crack down on armed groups, shrink the state by as much as 40%, restore ties with Israel and revive the oil and gas sector.
An ally of US President Donald Trump, de la Espriella, 48, represented well-known right-wing paramilitaries during his time as a lawyer. He has never before held elected office.
His ascension to office brings Colombia’s first-ever leftist government to a close.
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