Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has taken office promising a sharp break with the left-wing government of Gustavo Petro. His plans to reduce the state, promote private investment and use force against armed groups could reshape national policy, but also risk weakening an already fragile peace process in areas still affected by violence.

De la Espriella, a 48-year-old lawyer and businessman with no previous elected office, won June’s run-off by less than one percentage point, or about 252,000 votes. He has rejected Petro’s strategy of negotiating with armed groups, pledged tougher security measures and backed renewed oil and gas development; dissident former FARC factions, the ELN guerrillas and the Clan del Golfo remain active in several regions.