In Colombia, thousands of people participated in marches across major cities on Wednesday to voice their opposition to political, economic, and social reforms supported by President Gustavo Petro. They also called for action to address the deteriorating security situation in the country.
Leftist President Petro, who was elected in 2022, had made ambitious promises to tackle poverty, inequality, and end the decades-long internal conflict in Colombia that has claimed over 450,000 lives.
However, the government’s proposed reforms targeting health, pensions, labor, and education have encountered strong resistance in Congress and from the opposition. In the capital city of Bogota, protesters chanted slogans like “No more Petro!” and “Petro, out!” while waving flags and holding placards criticizing the president.
“These reforms are disastrous for our country and will lead Colombia into a hole… that’s why we are here,” said Congressman Miguel Polo Polo during the march, echoing the sentiments of many demonstrators.
Clara Prieto, a protester in Bogota draped in the national flag, expressed her dissatisfaction with the government, stating, “This corrupt government promised change and deceived all Colombians.”
The peaceful protests were not limited to Bogota, as cities like Medellin and Cali also saw demonstrations. By midday, around 52,000 people had participated nationwide, according to the police.
President Petro has defended the reforms, arguing that they will ultimately benefit the poorest sectors of Colombian society. “There will always be those from privilege who do not want to lose their privileges,” Petro stated during a government event in Bogota.
As the reform proposals navigate through Congress, President Petro faces challenges due to a lack of majority support among lawmakers following the disintegration of a fragile coalition last April.
With reporting by Andres Rojas and Camilo Cohecha, additional reporting and writing by Luis Jaime Acosta, and editing by Sandra Maler.
