President Trump’s endorsement of Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De la Espriella is more than an unusual intervention in a foreign election. It raises the prospect of a close alliance between two leaders who favor militarized approaches to security and governance, with potentially far-reaching consequences for Colombia’s peace process, social progress, and political future.
Colombians vote this Sunday in the first round of their 2026 presidential election, choosing a successor to leftist President Gustavo Petro. Frontrunner Senator Iván Cepeda faces right-wing rivals Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia in what is widely seen as a referendum on Colombia’s first-ever left-wing presidency. Read on for a full breakdown of the candidates, key issues, and election concerns — with live updates from CEPR observers on the ground.
A new CEPR report finds that Colombia experienced major social gains under President Gustavo Petro — including sharp reductions in poverty and unemployment — driven by rising real wages, expanded social spending, and increased investment in historically neglected regions. The report also examines how restrictive monetary policy and fiscal constraints weighed on private investment and shaped the country’s broader economic trajectory.
Two-hundred-twenty economists and law scholars, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz and Thomas Piketty, sent an open letter to Colombian President Gustavo Petro supporting his efforts to withdraw Colombia from Investor-State Dispute Settlement.
CEPR Sanctions Watch aims to help generate more awareness around sanctions by providing regular updates on US economic sanctions policy and its harmful impacts on people around the world.
Iván Duque may still have a bright future in Washington, DC.
CEPR Sanctions Watch aims to help generate more awareness around sanctions by providing regular updates on US economic sanctions policy and its harmful impacts on people around the world.
Criticisms of the United States and OAS underlined the need to revive regional integration initiatives independent of U.S. influence.
This paper looks at some of the most important issues that could be decided in Colombia’s June 19 presidential election runoff.
SDRs are not a magic bullet for climate finance. But as part of a wider framework, they can be a key tool for leveraging the resources needed for global climate justice.
