Businessman Abelardo de la Espriella holds a narrow lead in Colombia’s presidential vote count, potentially paving the way for expanded fossil fuel projects, including fracking.
If elected, de la Espriella would reverse Colombia’s recent moves towards reducing fossil fuel reliance. Outgoing President Gustavo Petro had banned fracking and stopped new oil and gas exploration licenses, setting Colombia as a leader among developing nations aligning economic policies with climate goals.
Election authorities reported Monday that with 99.9% of votes counted, de la Espriella leads with 49.66%, while progressive lawmaker Iván Cepeda Castro has 48.7%. De la Espriella declared victory Sunday night.
Petro alleged vote count irregularities in social media posts, vowing to challenge the results along with Cepeda.
De la Espriella, 47, campaigned on expanding oil, gas, and mineral extraction, advocating for economic security and energy independence.
In May, he stated Colombia should pursue “all the fracking possible,” dismissing environmental concerns as “urban myths.”
Unlike the United States, where fracking is widespread, most Latin American countries resist this method due to its environmental risks. Argentina and Mexico currently have commercial-scale operations.
De la Espriella, a multimillionaire attorney with interests in real estate and luxury goods, has referred to leftist groups as a “plague” and promised to “gut” them. Colombian leftists have long championed environmental causes.
On Sunday, de la Espriella assured supporters he will “govern for all Colombians.”
During Petro’s administration, Colombia implemented ambitious climate policies to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Colombia hosted the first conference to quit fossil fuels and backed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Despite these efforts, the nation remains heavily reliant on oil revenues, and Petro faced challenges in implementing environmental policies due to economic constraints.
De la Espriella’s potential presidency alarms environmental advocates, who fear a regression in environmental protection and human rights.
Gina Cortés Valderrama, a Colombian climate advocate, warned a de la Espriella administration would exploit the country’s resources, affecting communities beyond national borders.
“The energy transition is a political obligation,” Cortés Valderrama stated, expressing concern about the impact on communities in “sacrifice zones” including Afro-descendant and Indigenous groups.
Colombia is deemed the deadliest country for environmental defenders. These activists often face threats, violence, and limited state protection.
Juan David Amaya, founder of the nonprofit Life of Pachamama, noted fear and uncertainty among environmentalists about de la Espriella’s harsh campaign tone.
“Signals from those in power matter,” Amaya emphasized.
Mariana Terán Ramirez, a climate activist, warned de la Espriella might marginalize community voices in the fracking debate. She highlighted Colombia’s climate-intensified weather challenges.
Earlier this month, activists urged the government to reject fracking. Arhuaco Indigenous leader Dwirunney Torres emphasized the survival issue for communities against extractive development.
De la Espriella’s rise coincides with U.S. efforts to extract critical minerals from South America, supported by business-friendly allies in power.
“The Trump Administration looks forward to strengthening ties,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a post on X.
De la Espriella’s election aligns with a broader right-wing shift in the region, similar to leaders like Chile’s José Antonio Kast and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.
His tough security stance has raised alarm. De la Espriella proposed aggressive military measures against criminal groups and building “mega-prisons.”
Environmentalists fear these measures could suppress community voices in mining and energy development decisions.
“Environmental protection is a national responsibility,” Amaya emphasized, urging the new administration to recognize its importance.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org