Colombia has officially entered a new political chapter.

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in Friday as Colombia’s new president, marking a sharp shift to the right following four years under outgoing left-wing president Gustavo Petro.

The 48-year-old lawyer and businessman took the unusual step of holding his inauguration in Cali instead of Bogotá, sending an immediate message that security will be at the centre of his presidency.

De la Espriella, known by supporters as “El Tigre,” won the presidency after defeating left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda in a closely contested runoff election.

During his inaugural address, Colombia’s new leader promised an aggressive crackdown on armed groups, drug trafficking and organized crime, declaring that the time for negotiations has ended.

“There will be no room for manoeuvres that undermine the stability of the nation,” he said, while promising to “relentlessly defeat narco-terrorism.”

His approach represents a major departure from Petro’s attempts to negotiate peace agreements with armed organizations. Groups including ELN, Clan del Golfo and FARC dissident factions continue to operate in parts of Colombia, particularly in the country’s southwest.

Big Economic Changes Could Be Coming

De la Espriella is also promising a dramatic change in Colombia’s economic direction.

His campaign included proposals to cut government spending by as much as 40 percent, encourage private investment and revive Colombia’s oil and natural gas industries.

He has also expressed support for responsible fracking and pledged to strengthen state-controlled energy giant Ecopetrol, arguing that Colombia cannot allow its oil and gas reserves to continue declining.

Internationally, Colombia is expected to move significantly closer to the United States. De la Espriella has aligned himself with U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to combating drug trafficking and plans to join the U.S.-backed “Shield of the Americas” security initiative.

The U.S. State Department also announced plans for a $1-billion security assistance package for Colombia, subject to congressional approval.

De la Espriella has additionally promised to restore diplomatic relations with Israel while cutting ties with Cuba and Nicaragua.

His inauguration wasn’t without controversy. Demonstrations took place in Cali, Bogotá and Barranquilla, highlighting the deep political divisions that remain following a close election.

With Colombia moving from its first left-wing government to a conservative outsider promising sweeping changes, the next five years could represent one of the country’s biggest political shifts in decades.