Right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriyela was sworn in as Colombia’s president on Friday, taking office at age 48. The inauguration was held in the southwestern city of Cali rather than the capital, Bogota, breaking with tradition. Cali has long been one of the main centers of conflict between the government and armed groups. Espriyela won the election after pledging tougher action against armed groups, cuts of up to 40 percent in public spending, and a revival of the country’s oil and gas industry.

The choice of Cali as the inauguration venue was presented as a clear departure from outgoing left-wing President Gustavo Petro’s strategy of seeking peace through talks with armed groups. Espriyela has criticized Petro’s policy as a failure from the outset. After taking the oath, he said no strategy or activity that undermines the country’s stability would be allowed.

Espriyela also pledged to eradicate narcoterrorism and said that the path of dialogue had completely ended. Addressing Colombian businesspeople, he said his government would be their partner in investment in Colombia. He added that his administration would work to further strengthen the capacity of Ecopetrol, the state-owned oil company.