Protesters in Colombia’s third-largest city Cali burned US flags and clashed with riot police after a Trump-endorsed hard-right candidate narrowly won the presidential election.
According to AFP, police used tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators. Some protesters threw bricks and metal bars during violent clashes over the victory of Abelardo de la Espriella.
With almost all polling stations reporting, De la Espriella secured 49.66 per cent of the vote. Left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda followed closely with 48.70 per cent.
The 47-year-old president-elect’s victory is expected to ease strained relations with Washington. It also adds to a growing wave of right-wing leaders gaining power across Latin America.
In a series of social media posts, De la Espriella said, “Today Colombia won its most important game.” He also said he had spoken with US President Donald Trump, who offered congratulations and support.
