Trump declares support for Bukele's 'lookalike' in Colombia's presidential elections

Who are the presidential candidates in the 2nd round in Colombia?
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, declared his support for candidate Abelardo de la Espriella in the presidential elections in Colombia. In a publication made this Tuesday (2), Trump stated that the candidate's victory will be important in defining the relationship between the two countries.
✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp
At 47 years old, De la Espriella leads the ultra-right Defenders of the Fatherland movement. In the first round of elections, held on Sunday (31), he came in first place, contrary to electoral polls.
In Truth Social, Trump called the Colombian candidate "an intelligent, strong and determined leader". He also stated that De la Espriella would be successful in leading the fight against crime and drug trafficking.
"The result of this election is very important for the future of Colombia and for the country's relationship with the United States. Because of his great achievements throughout his life and his political support for me personally, I have the honor of giving Abelardo my complete and total support", he published.
De la Espriella is an admirer of right-wing politicians such as Trump and the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, with whom he has a certain physical similarity. He gained strength in the final stretch of the campaign by promising a military offensive against guerrillas blamed for the high crime rates in Colombia.
"In my government there will be no peace processes. Criminals who do not submit will be eliminated, as permitted by law," he said.
Abelardo de la Espriella
REUTERS/Nathalia Angarita
Known by the nickname "El Tigre", the lawyer also defends Colombia's withdrawal from international organizations, such as the Organization of the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS). According to him, these institutions serve to promote "left-wing policies".
At the same time as he adopts a hard-line speech, the candidate maintains a website called "De la Espriella Style", where he sells alcoholic drinks, books, songs in which he sings and even clothes in which he appears as a poster boy.
De la Espriella has also been involved in controversies. In a TV interview, for example, he boasted about the size of his genitals and stated that this helped him win votes.
The lawyer was also questioned for having defended Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman accused by the US government of acting as an agent for Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
The second round of the Colombian elections will be held on June 21. De la Espriella's opponent is the leftist Iván Cepeda, who defends the continuation of the policies of the current president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro.
READ ALSO
It is #FAKE that a photo of Flávio Bolsonaro with Trump is a souvenir offered by the White House; image is real
Kuwait activates air defense against missile and drone attacks, and sirens sound again in Bahrain
Statues of World Cup players are toppled during teachers' protest in Mexico
VIDEOS: now on g1
Now on g1

Source: G1