Abelardo de la Espriella assumes presidency of Colombia amid earthquake

Abelardo de la Espriella was inaugurated as president of Colombia last Friday and, just three days later, faced his first significant crisis following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook the country. According to preliminary reports, at least 74 people have died due to the quake, prompting the government to declare a state of "national disaster."

In response to the emergency, De la Espriella convened an emergency committee to manage the situation and committed to traveling to the affected areas. During his remarks, the president assured that "the State is present and acting" to address the needs of the victims.

Aside from the crisis caused by the earthquake, former Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo analyzed the new president's first speech. Cristo highlighted the lack of a call for a Constituent Assembly by De la Espriella and the offensive he plans to implement against armed groups, although he criticized the absence of mentions regarding reforms, inequality, the environment, and basic guarantees.

This event has generated a wave of reactions, even from abroad. The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, expressed his solidarity and offered support to Colombia in managing the crisis. Reports indicate that at least 18 additional fatalities have been confirmed due to the earthquake, as damage assessments continue in various regions of the country.

Additionally, the new president has been labeled as an 'outsider' seeking to implement a tough approach on security, which could clash with the situation inherited from his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. The director of the newspaper "El Colombiano," Luz María Sierra, commented on the expectations of the Colombian populace and the challenges De la Espriella faces in this context.

As the situation in the earthquake-affected areas evolves, the government is expected to maintain communication with communities and respond appropriately as the crisis shifts into a test of its leadership.