De la Espriella celebrates Independence Day in Medellín, his political stronghold

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella attended the July 20 military parade in Medellín, the capital of Antioquia, where he received strong electoral support (64.42% of votes, winning 108 of 125 municipalities) Source: elnacionalve. The event, which included over 5,000 military and police personnel, was also attended by Medellín mayor Federico Gutiérrez and Antioquia governor Andrés Julián Rendón Source: portafolioco.

Strong local backing

De la Espriella repeatedly thanked Antioquia, calling it "the most patriotic land in Colombia" and said that its model of development should be replicated nationwide Source: larepublicaco. He noted that three of his appointed ministers come from the region, including Juliana Gutiérrez (Sports), sister of the mayor Source: lasillavacia. Mayor Gutiérrez declared that "Medellín and Antioquia did not have a president for four years, but from August 7 we will have one again" Source: eltiempoco.

Contrasts with outgoing government

Both officials criticized the current administration's "Paz Total" policy. Gutiérrez stated that the policy benefited illegal groups like the ELN and Clan del Golfo, while De la Espriella promised to restore security and said he will be sworn in at a military garrison to honor the armed forces Source: elcolombiano. Meanwhile, outgoing President Gustavo Petro presided over a separate parade in Bogotá Source: infobae.

After the parade