Colombia’s new right-wing President Abelardo De La Espriella has taken office with promises to intensify the fight against drug trafficking, restore security and introduce sweeping economic reforms aimed at rebuilding investor confidence. The political newcomer and ally of U.S. President Donald Trump previously worked as a lawyer, including representing clients linked to right-wing paramilitary groups. During his inauguration in Cali, De La Espriella declared that Colombia was entering a new period focused on “order, authority, and freedom.” Finance Minister Miguel Gomez has estimated the deficit at between 7% and 8% of GDP and plans to introduce growth-oriented tax reforms. De La Espriella’s victory also reinforces a broader political shift to the right across Latin America, where concerns over crime, economic weakness and public security have helped conservative candidates gain support.