Abelardo de la Espriella becomes president of Colombia

Right-wing Abelardo de la Espriella on Friday was sworn in as Colombia’s new president during a ceremony in the southwestern city of Cali. De la Espriella will replace leftist president Gustavo Petro, after narrowly beating Petro’s favored candidate Ivan Cepeda Castro in a runoff election in June.

The ceremony in Cali marks a break from tradition, as swearing-in ceremonies are typically held in the capital city of Bogota. Former president Petro is known to have a large following in the Cali area, according to the Associated Press. De la Espriella, a businessman and lawyer, has pledged to reverse many of Petro’s policies—especially on the economy, immigration, drug trafficking, and relations with the United States and Israel.

De la Espriella said Friday that he would work tirelessly to deliver on his promises. He would begin a new era and honor the trust placed in him, just like renowned historical leaders like the Roman statesman Cincinnatus, the Persian King Cyrus, and King David of the Old Testament, he said. “The horrible night has ended,” he added.

Dig deeper: Read my report on De la Espriella’s narrow election win.