Protests erupted across Colombia after far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Speria, backed by US President Donald Trump, narrowly won the second round of the presidential election held last Sunday.
Violent protests in the capital and Cali
Violent clashes broke out between demonstrators rejecting the election results and security forces in the capital Bogota. In Cali, the country's third-largest city, protesters burned American flags and clashed with riot police.
A student named Brandon vowed further protests, saying, "We will not support this government because, as a young person, it does not represent me." Student Nataya said, "I believe we need someone who cares about all of us, not just a small segment."
De la Speria supporters celebrate victory
Meanwhile, de la Speria's supporters held victory celebrations in various cities across the country, donning the yellow jersey of the national football team that he adopted during his election campaign.
Speaking from behind bulletproof glass before thousands of supporters in Barranquilla, in northern Colombia, de la Speria celebrated the start of a "new era."
Congratulatory messages from the far right
US President Donald Trump congratulated de la Speria in a statement on his Truth Social platform, saying, "It was a great honor to support him. I look forward to working together to build a strong relationship between Colombia and the United States that will bring a new level of greatness to both our countries."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated the Colombian president-elect, praising future cooperation on security matters and "the end of illegal immigration to the United States."
Argentine President Javier Milei was among the first to congratulate de la Speria, saying, "The majority of Colombians chose the path of economic freedom, prosperity and lasting security."
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa commented, "Colombia chose order over impunity." Chilean President José Antonio Kast celebrated de la Speria's "great electoral victory," while Panamanian President José Raúl wished him success.
Official results and transition of power
According to official results, Abelardo de la Speria received 49.65 percent of the vote, placing him ahead of leftist senator rival Iván Cepeda, who received 48.70 percent.
De la Speria's victory is being interpreted as a de facto rejection of the policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro. The president-elect will take office on August 7 in a country that has been gripped by internal armed conflict for more than six years.
