The Right’s victory opens a new chapter for Colombia, with an emphasis on security and stability.

In Colombia, in the presidential elections on June 21, right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriegua, also known as “El Tigre,” narrowly defeated left-wing Senator Iván Sepeda with 49.66% to 48.70%, according to preliminary results.

This is a narrow victory that marks the return of the Right to power after Gustavo Petro’s four-year left-wing administration.

The victory of De la Espriegua, a political outsider, lawyer, and businessman with no prior political experience, is mainly due to citizens’ disappointment with Petro’s “Total Peace” policy.

This approach, which was based on negotiations with armed groups, was widely acknowledged to have failed: violence and drug trafficking increased, while armed groups expanded their control over parts of the country.

Voters preferred the hard-line approach of “El Tigre,” who promises military crackdowns, mega-prisons, zero negotiations with cartels and criminals, and economic reforms.

His campaign was also bolstered by the support of U.S. President Donald Trump.

This victory marks a profound political shift for Colombia. Following the country’s first left-wing presidency in its history, citizens have opted for a return to conservative policies, with an emphasis on law and order and security.

A change in strategy is expected regarding the internal armed conflict and the drug trade, shifting from negotiations to a hardline approach.

However, the narrow victory and challenges from the losing side risk intensifying polarization.

In relations with the U.S., the victory is expected to bring about a significant improvement. De la Espriegua, who holds dual citizenship (Colombia-the U.S.) and a close relationship with Trump, promises closer cooperation on security, drug enforcement, and immigration. This stands in contrast to the tensions of the Petro era.

Washington has already expressed satisfaction, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulating the winner on “better days” for Colombia.

Overall, the Right’s victory opens a new chapter for Colombia, with an emphasis on security and stability, but also challenges due to the narrow margin of victory and high expectations. The new president takes office on August 7.