The first round of the presidential election in Colombia has delivered its verdict. Unsurprisingly, the second round (scheduled for June 21) will offer a stark ideological contrast. With 99% of polling stations having submitted their data, two diametrically opposed figures will vie for power:

1. Abelardo de la Espriella (Hard Right): 44% of the votes
2. Ivan Cepeda (Left-wing party in power): 41% of the votes

Ivan Cepeda: The philosopher of “total peace”

At 63, Senator and philosopher Ivan Cepeda embodies the continuity of the outgoing left-wing president, Gustavo Petro. His personal history is intimately linked to the scars of Colombia: the son of a communist senator assassinated by paramilitaries in the 1990s, he experienced exile (Bulgaria, Cuba) before returning to the country as an advocate for victims' rights.

His profile and program:

1. The peacemaker: He played a key role in the historic 2016 agreement with the FARC and attempted to promote the current government's policy of "total peace".
2. His political stance: An admirer of Gandhi, he rejected communism despite his years spent in the East. He advocated for "productive capitalism," an increase in the minimum wage, and the continuation of social reforms.
3. His weak point: Sworn enemy of former conservative president Álvaro Uribe, his opponents demonize him by calling him "heir of the FARC".

Abelardo de la Espriella: The bling-bling “outsider” with the iron fist

Facing him is Abelardo de la Espriella, 47. A millionaire lawyer and businessman, nicknamed "The Tiger," he enters politics with the stated ambition of saving Colombia from the "destruction" of the left. Between his private jet, his rum business in Florence, and his defense of shady clients (drug traffickers, football stars), the candidate cultivates his image as a providential savior.

His profile and program:

1. His role models: An unabashed ultra-conservative, he displays his admiration for Donald Trump, Nayib Bukele (El Salvador) and Javier Milei (Argentina).
2. Maximum security: To break up cartels and armed groups, he proposes a military alliance with the United States and Israel, coupled with the construction of mega-prisons.
3. Economy and society: This devout Catholic wants to reduce the size of the state by 40%.
4. The controversy: Despite a campaign marred by accusations of homophobia and gross sexist remarks (he notably claimed that women voted for him because of his anatomy), his popularity remains intact.

The June 21st showdown is shaping up to be a radical societal choice for Colombians: on one side, the consolidation of a progressive and social model; on the other, a populist right-wing shift focused on ultra-repressive security.