Colombia’s Bukele? Abelardo De La Espriella Surges Ahead
The right-wing frontrunner in Colombia’s election tells AQ he’s an “odd fish, but not a dangerous one,” and addresses questions about his past.
BOGOTÁ—He calls himself “the tiger,” a nickname that, according to him, signifies a big heart, strength, endurance, and character. Another recurring theme in his campaign is la patria: in speeches, interviews, and social media posts, the 47-year-old criminal lawyer talks constantly about the homeland. On these occasions, or when greeting potential voters, he salutes and then yells, “Stand firm for the Nation!” These are parts of the public image that Colombian presidential frontrunner Aberlardo De La Espriella is cultivating, aiming to win the nation’s first-round election on...
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