Colombia leadership change August 2026
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Colombia's new president faces backlash over 'inhumane' deportation policy
Ronald Vergara said it would be inhumane to deport people who came to Colombia to survive and work.
Approximately 95 percent of Colombia's migrant population are Venezuelan, according to the OECD.
President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered police to begin deportation operations against foreign nationals living irregularly in Colombia during a security council meeting on Sunday.
“De la Espriella is bold enough to target migrants from Latin American countries in Colombia, yet cowardly when it comes to protecting our fellow migrants in the United States,”
Former Colombian president criticizes restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel
Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that restoring ties with Israel while Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power applauds the Gaza genocide.
Colombia's new right-wing government restored diplomatic relations with Israel two years after Petro had severed them.
De la Espriella sworn in as Colombia's leader
De la Espriella is a political newcomer who built his fortune and public profile as a lawyer and businessman rather than through elected office.
The inauguration ceremony was held in Cali rather than the capital Bogota.
Outgoing leftist leader Gustavo Petro pursued a strategy of negotiated peace with armed groups.
“As a cornerstone of this renewed partnership, the United States, working with Congress, intends to announce $1 billion in assistance as part of a security package to support President de la Espriella’s Administration in achieving our shared goals,”