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Colombia's New President Vows Cartel War, Cuts Spending Amid Protests

8/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president on Friday in Cali.
He pledged an all-out war on cartels, to crush insurgents, to cut spending by 40 percent, and to join the Shield of the Americas while restoring ties with Israel and seeking $1 billion in assistance pending approval.
Protests erupted in Cali, Bogotá and Barranquilla while former president Gustavo Petro alleged vote-tally fraud that electoral authorities dismissed.

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Story summary

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president on Friday in Cali.
He pledged an all-out war on cartels, to crush insurgents, to cut spending by 40 percent, and to join the Shield of the Americas while restoring ties with Israel and seeking $1 billion in assistance pending approval.
Protests erupted in Cali, Bogotá and Barranquilla while former president Gustavo Petro alleged vote-tally fraud that electoral authorities dismissed.