The scene in Bogotá this morning is one of relief, not revolution. Colombia’s leftist candidate, Gustavo Petro, has conceded defeat in the presidential election. The official result: a victory for centrist Iván Duque.
The UK’s quiet backing of democratic institutions paid off. Whitehall sources confirm that British diplomats worked behind the scenes to ensure a clean vote count. No midnight coup.
No violent protests. Just a concession speech. For the FCDO, this is a win.
For the Foreign Secretary, a quiet triumph. The message from London is clear: stability over populism. Colombia remains a key ally in a turbulent region.
The oil contracts remain safe. The trade deals hold. But there is a warning here.
The 40% vote share for Petro shows a deep well of discontent. The conservative establishment cannot ignore that. For now, though, the game continues.
The UK keeps its foothold in Latin America. And the Establishment breathes again.
