Abelardo de la Espriella wins Colombia’s presidential election, confirming that a rightward wind is blowing across Latin America. Trump is popular in many countries, writes the Los Angeles Times. Trump called de la Espriella to congratulate him on his victory; he is paying close attention.

The ideological struggle currently taking place in the West is thus shifting to Latin America. The media portray de la Espriella almost as a caricature, a caricature we readily recognise from the portrayal of Trump’s policies, including his approach to the cartels.

Abelardo de la Espriella believes Colombia should withdraw from the United Nations and other international organisations, strengthen ties with Israel, and introduce more liberal gun laws.

He also believes the police should be authorised to shoot demonstrators deemed likely to become violent, that aircraft suspected of carrying narcotics should be shot down, and that suspicious vessels should be liable to be sunk.

He also wants to abolish several government ministries and bring a definitive end to all forms of peace negotiations with insurgent groups.

Javier Milei in Argentina and Bolsonaro in Brazil received the same “treatment” from the media.