Colombia’s ‘Tiger’ Leads Race for Security

Colombia’s presidential race just got a lot more intense—outsider lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, dubbed “The Tiger,” has surged ahead with nearly 44% of the vote, edging out progressive senator Iván Cepeda and setting up a June 21 runoff. Inspired by El Salvador’s Bukele, de la Espriella promises hardline crime crackdowns, tapping into a growing Latin American trend where voters prioritize security over progressive ideals. With everyday Colombians like a coffee vendor and a first-time voter demanding safety, de la Espriella’s rise signals a potential return to militarized politics—and a major challenge for Cepeda, whose peace-focused platform is now on shaky ground. The runoff could reshape Colombia’s future, mirroring a region-wide hunger for decisive action against crime. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f66fed18c55d0e28