Trump Extends Congratulations to Colombia’s Right-Wing Presidential Candidate
United States President Donald Trump has publicly congratulated right-wing candidate Iván Duque Márquez on his apparent victory in Colombia’s presidential election. President Trump expressed anticipation for strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
In a social media post on his platform, Truth Social, on December 22nd (local time), President Trump acknowledged Duque Márquez’s victory, stating, “I look forward to working together to forge a strong relationship between Colombia and the United States, bringing a new level of greatness to both our countries.”
Election Results and Tight Race
The election, held on December 21st, saw Duque Márquez, representing the right-wing Democratic Center party, leading with 49.65% of the vote. He narrowly edged out his opponent, Gustavo Petro, of the left-wing coalition ‘Colombia Humana,’ who secured 48.70%. The margin between the two candidates is approximately 250,000 votes, according to local media and AFP. However, a final winner has not yet been officially declared.
While the vote count is largely complete, a sense of tension remains as the difference between the vote percentages for the two candidates is less than one percentage point. This narrow margin means the final outcome is still subject to confirmation.
Shift in Colombian Politics and Regional Trend
Should Duque Márquez’s victory be officially confirmed, Colombia would return to a right-wing government after four years under left-wing rule, which began in 2022. This development aligns with a broader trend of conservative and center-right parties gaining influence across South America.
In recent years, several South American nations, including Chile, Costa Rica, and Bolivia, have seen the rise of right-wing or center-right administrations. This phenomenon is often referred to as the ‘Blue Tide,’ indicating a surge in conservative political movements across the region.
