As Colombia heads into one of its most consequential presidential elections in recent history, Colombia’s presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella made a final push for undecided voters by appearing on a livestream hosted by influencer Westcol on May 30, 2026.
The interview, broadcast on the streaming platform Kick and watched by hundreds of thousands of viewers, became one of the most talked-about political events of the campaign’s closing hours. While De la Espriella used the appearance to present himself as an anti-establishment outsider and promote his security-focused platform, several moments generated controversy and intense debate across social media.
Colombia’s Abelardo De la Espriella and Westcol, with an uncomfortable exchange
Perhaps the most uncomfortable exchange came when De la Espriella defended one of his flagship proposals: the construction of 10 megaprison complexes across Colombia.
As the candidate outlined the plan, Westcol responded with a remark that quickly went viral: “That sounds like a school representative proposal,” or, in Colombian political slang, “suena a propuesta de personero (representative).”
The comment appeared to challenge the practicality and seriousness of the proposal, briefly putting the candidate on the defensive. The moment immediately sparked reactions online and became one of the most shared clips from the interview.
Throughout the conversation, De la Espriella doubled down on his law-and-order message, presenting himself as the candidate willing to take the toughest approach against crime and armed groups.
He reiterated his proposal to build megaprison facilities, create rehabilitation centers for people with drug addiction, and dramatically strengthen the country’s security apparatus. According to the candidate, Colombia requires a government willing to restore authority and territorial control through decisive action.
One of the most controversial topics discussed was gun ownership. De la Espriella argued that citizens who can demonstrate psychological and physical fitness should be legally allowed to carry firearms.
He claimed that the overwhelming majority of crimes are committed with illegal weapons rather than legally registered ones. The proposal aligns with his broader argument that law-abiding citizens should have greater tools to defend themselves in a country facing persistent security challenges.
Defending against criticism
The candidate also used the interview to defend himself against criticism related to his professional career as a lawyer. For years, opponents have accused him of benefiting from defending controversial figures, including individuals linked to criminal organizations. During the livestream, De la Espriella rejected those accusations and insisted that he never represented drug traffickers in the manner critics suggest.
Another significant moment came when the conversation shifted toward a controversy involving his wife, Ana Lucia Pineda. Recent comments suggesting that the family could comfortably live abroad if De la Espriella lost the election had generated criticism among voters.
During the interview, the candidate attempted to clarify the situation, saying his wife’s statements had been taken out of context. He stressed that, if defeated, he would remain in Colombia and serve as a leading opposition figure rather than leave the country.
De la Espriella also touched on economic issues, promising higher salaries, lower taxes for businesses, stronger economic growth, and a more business-oriented government. He repeated his belief that Colombia should be run more like a successful company than a traditional political administration.
The candidate argued that entrepreneurs and job creators possess the practical experience necessary to improve the country’s economic performance.
The impact of influencers in politics
The interview further highlighted the growing influence of digital creators in Colombian politics. With traditional campaign events restricted ahead of election day, candidates increasingly turned to livestreams, influencers, and social media personalities to reach younger audiences.
De la Espriella’s appearance with Westcol followed similar online efforts by other presidential contenders, underscoring how digital platforms have become central battlegrounds in modern Colombian elections.
Whether the interview ultimately helped or hurt De la Espriella remains to be seen. However, the exchange demonstrated the political power of online influencers and showed that even seasoned candidates can face unexpected scrutiny when stepping into the fast-moving, unpredictable world of livestream culture.
For many viewers, Westcol’s blunt questioning — and especially his “personero proposal” comment — became the defining moment of the night. You can watch the full video here.