Colombia: Power transfer process paused, growing concerns about press freedom

Following his narrow election victory on June 21, right-wing hardliner Abelardo de la Espriella is scheduled to take office as president of Colombia on August 7. However, following mutual accusations between him and the outgoing administration of President Petro, the transition process is currently at a standstill. De la Espriella’s opponent, Iván Cepeda, had initially conceded defeat, but he and Petro are now accusing de la Espriella of “electoral fraud through algorithms.” Cepeda also called for civil disobedience should de la Espriella violate the Constitution and fundamental rights. De la Espriella, in turn, accuses Cepeda and Petro of corruption and has suspended the transition process for the time being until a “serious and transparent transition” is guaranteed.

However, it is questionable whether this right-wing lawyer truly attaches sufficient importance to democratic institutions. Abelardo de la Espriella is known, for example, for taking legal action against people who criticize him—such as regarding his campaign financing or his close ties to business leaders. Reporters Without Borders recently expressed concern about the state of press freedom in Colombia and reported on more than 100 cases “in which de la Espriella sought to discredit and silence media outlets and individual journalists through legal action and public defamation.” De la Espriella often verbally attacks women in particular: “He defamed female journalists Laura Rodríguez of the digital platform Piso 8, María Lucía Fernández of Noticias Caracol, and Camila Zuluaga of Blu Radio with sexist comments.” The organization is calling for effective protection of press freedom in Colombia going forward.

Speaking of sexism—this article from the Latin American publication Lanzas y Letras, published in German by npla, describes de la Espriella’s hypermasculinity and its parallels with other Latin American politicians. The Colombian politician represents “a patriarchal, authoritarian, and exploitative worldview (...). What we refer to as ‘ultra-masculinity’ encompasses elements that are already present in other contexts: the national symbols co-opted by Bolsonaro; the ability of Trump and Bolsonaro to mobilize religious circles; Bukele’s punitive approach and personalistic leadership; or Milei’s admiration for animals, to which strength and a hierarchical consciousness are attributed.”

The authors are certain: “When security becomes an ideology and diversity becomes a threat, democratic possibilities are no longer on the table. Critically analyzing these forms of power and opposing them is essential to advocating for a more equal, pluralistic, and just future for Colombia.”