Colombia has a new president, and the change is historic. Abelardo de la Espriella took his oath in Cali while police defused a bus loaded with explosives and Petro refused to attend. Security, energy, Israel, and a full alliance with Washington now lead the agenda. The conservative wave in Latin America has found its next leader.
Keiko Fujimori was sworn in on July 28 as the first woman elected president of Peru. The Fujimori first 100 days will be judged on a historic wave of crime and a super El Niño. Her plan includes a mega-prison, faceless judges, a military crackdown and closer security ties with the Trump administration. Can she finish a full term?
Colombia election results confirm De la Espriella's win, but Petro refuses to accept it and even calls Cepeda the real president. The U.S. and twelve allies just warned Petro to respect the vote, while the president elect plans a military garrison inauguration to honor Colombia's soldiers and police, and the region keeps shifting right.
Guatemala cartels strikes are now official as President Arévalo agrees to joint U.S. military operations against drug trafficking networks. Trump's Shield of the Americas is expanding fast. From fentanyl deaths to cartel terrorism, this is America First in action across Latin America right now.
