Conservative leaders are gaining traction across Latin America, with several nations electing new presidents reflecting right-leaning ideologies. Abelardo de la Espriella is set to take office in Colombia on Friday after winning the presidential election in June, marking a significant shift in governmental philosophy for the country.
Recent Conservative Victories in Latin America
De la Espriella narrowly defeated progressive candidate Iván Cepeda, positioning himself as a tough-on-crime advocate. His campaign promises include canceling ongoing peace talks with rebel groups and implementing large-scale prison projects similar to those in El Salvador. This election signals a major change for Colombia, previously led for four years by a former rebel who was critical of the prior U.S. administration’s policies.
In Peru, Keiko Fujimori took office in July after winning by fewer than 50,000 votes. Fujimori, a conservative politician, has committed to a strict anti-crime agenda, including plans to construct new prisons and militarize borders to fight drug trafficking. Her presidency builds on a history of family involvement in national politics, as she is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori.
Argentina saw a notable shift in leadership with the election of Javier Milei in November 2023. The economist’s libertarian stance includes austerity measures aimed at addressing chronic inflation, which significantly dropped during his term but has impacted living standards for some citizens.
Meanwhile, Daniel Noboa was reelected in Ecuador in April 2025. His administration has favored increased military involvement in combating drug-related violence, though this approach has drawn criticism for not effectively reducing homicide rates.
Honduras elected conservative Nasry Asfura in November 2025, continuing the trend of conservative leadership in a country that previously experienced political turmoil. His win was backed by U.S. support, which included threats to cut aid if he was not elected.
In December, José Antonio Kast won the presidential election in Chile, defeating a progressive administration that had been in power for four years. His campaign focused on heightened concerns over crime and immigration, proposing stringent measures to control the influx of migrants.
Lastly, Laura Fernández was elected in Costa Rica in February, advocating for hardline crime policies and a mega-prison project inspired by El Salvador. Her administration continues to engage with international agreements regarding deportations from the U.S.
Why It Matters
The recent elections in Latin America reflect a growing preference for conservative leadership amidst rising concerns over crime, immigration, and economic instability. This trend may reshape regional politics and influence relationships with international partners, particularly the United States, as leaders adopt tougher stances in governance.