Thousands of Colombians in Bogotá shout “yes to the reforms” of Petro

Thousands of people took to the streets of downtown Bogota to the cry “long live the reforms“labour, pensions and health, presented by the Government, to express its support for the president’s policies Colombian, Gustavo Petroand press its approval in Congress.

Walking between masks with the face of the president and to the rhythm of the batucadas, the Minister of Labor appeared, Gloria Ines Ramirezwho called on political parties to “reflect” and “do not close the door for Colombia to move towards rights” for those who advocate these social reforms.

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The reforms are stalled in Congress, where the government lacks majorities, and the deadline for their approval expires on June 20, when the ordinary legislative period ends, although the president can call extra sessions.

Supporters of Colombian President Gustavo Petro attend a demonstration in support of Petro’s social reforms in Bogotá on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Daniel Munoz / AFP) (DANIEL MUNOZ/)

“These three reforms are needed by the country to move towards a country of rights that complies with international recommendations, with the commitments signed with other countries, but above all that develops national jurisprudence, which are guarantees for work”, Ramírez told EFE at the beginning of the demonstration that left the National Park.

For his part, Fabio Ariasof the Unitary Central of Workers (CUT), one of the conveners, lamented that the reforms “they go to a very slow term” by the decision of some parties of “not support them because it touches the interests of those they represent today in the political situation of the country and of Congress”.

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Minutes before Petro addressed the protesters, the Colombian vice president, France Marquezjoined the march along with the new president of Congress, alexander lopezand thanked the “firmness, dedication and commitment” of those who today took to the main streets of the country to “accompany the government of change”.

Support in the midst of the crisis

To the harangues in support of the reforms were added others in support of Petro in the midst of the crisis unleashed by the former ambassador in Venezuela and right hand in the president’s campaign, Armando Benedettidistanced from the Government, which threatened to reveal information about alleged irregularities in the financing of that campaign.

“The central point of this call is the reforms (…) but additionally to support the Government in the face of the onslaught of the extreme right to seek the possibility of a soft or hard coup (…) to make it resign, resign or overthrow itArias explained.

Supporters of Colombian President Gustavo Petro listen to his speech during a demonstration in support of his social reforms in Bogotá on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP) (RAUL ARBOLEDA/)

Also positioned during the march was Senator Wilson Ariasof the Historical Pactthe government coalition, who defined Benedetti’s words as a “blackmail” that you “very embarrassing”, product of “alimentation”.

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The day also had its touch of color with the participation of stilt walkers wrapped in the Colombian flag and even hats with the iconic yellow butterflies of the Nobel Prize. Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Health workers, teachers and transporters, among others, complied with the unions’ call and will continue until night in the Plaza de Bolívar and its surrounding areas shouting “Petro, friend, the people are with you” and “The people united will never be defeated”.

Source: Elcomercio