# New Colombia president pledges crime crackdown, austerity 2026-08-08T02:55:07+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Colombia’s new right-wing President Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in on August 7, 2026, in Cali, the first modern president inaugurated outside Bogota. In a 75-minute speech at the Pichincha Battalion military base, he pledged a vigorous fight against drug trafficking, austerity to restore economic confidence, and a freeze on public spending. He vowed to eradicate coca crops with aerial herbicides and to join the U.S.-led Shield of the Americas program. The Livemint reports that the U.S. announced a $1 billion package to support crime-fighting and energy reforms. De La Espriella, a former lawyer for paramilitaries and alleged criminals, has never held elected office. His predecessor Gustavo Petro has not recognised his victory. ## Coverage - thehindu.com - livemint.com Tags: Abelardo De La Espriella, austerity, Colombia, drug trafficking, Latin America, right-wing shift Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/colombia-president-vows-drug-war-austerity-in-maiden-speech/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/colombia-president-vows-drug-war-austerity-in-maiden-speech/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.