Colombia: Thousands protest against Gustavo Petro’s government

Thousands of demonstrators protest this Wednesday in the main cities of the Colombia against the left-wing government Gustavo Pedroin the rejection of his social reform projects and the violence that persists in the country despite peace negotiations with armed groups.

Under the motto “Get out Petro!”, a crowd dressed in white walked through the historic center of Bogotá and almost completely occupied the traditional Bolivar Squarewith capacity for around 45 thousand people.

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“There is rampant insecurity in the countryside and in the city. People are tired and that’s why“We marched,” he told AFP Luis Chaparroa 46-year-old retired soldier dressed in camouflage.

Aerial view showing protesters marching against Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s government over health and pension reforms in Medellín, Colombia, March 6, 2024. (Photo by Jaime SALDARRIAGA/AFP) (JAIME SALDARRIAGA/)

In Cali (south-west), Medellin (northwest), Barranquilla (north), Bucaramanga (Northeast) and other capitals, protesters united with flags of Colombiain Israel and posters alluding to right-wing leaders such as the former US president donald trump; the president of Argentina, Javier Milei; and that of the Savior, Nayib Bukele.

“We are in the middle of two threats, on the one hand, violence, criminals, and on the other the absolute ineptitude of the government of Gustavo Pedro” he told the media Miguel Uribeopposition party senator Democratic Centerorganizer of the protest against the Executive, whose popularity is around 35% according to the Invamer survey.

Against change

Petro came to power in August 2022 as the first left-wing president in Colombia’s history. His proposals to reform the pension, health and labor systems are discussed in heated debates in Congress, where he lost his majority.

The president assured at a public event this Wednesday that those who protest are part of “forces“no”they want to change the country“don’t even lose yours”privileges”.

Protesters march against the government of Colombian President Gustavo Petro for health and pension reforms in Bogotá, March 6, 2024. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP) (RAUL ARBOLEDA/)

The government intends to reduce private participation in the provision of health services and pension payments, as well as expand benefits to workers.

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The opposition questions the concessions that armed groups receive in the midst of negotiations with which the president seeks to neutralize six decades of armed conflict.

“He has the army tied up. He arrested the police. And the bandits, rampant, with all the benefits“added the former military man Chaparro.

Dialogues advance amid setbacks with the rebels of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the dissidents of the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) which rejected the 2016 peace agreement. The government and armed groups accuse each other of violating the agreed ceasefire, which has triggered some crises in the negotiations.

“Terrible”

Opponents accuse the government of waste, one of the arguments against reforms that seek to expand the State. Furthermore, Petro is mired in the trial of his eldest son on charges of money laundering and the loss of hosting the 2027 Pan American Games for not making the payments agreed with the organizer.

“Wonderful scandals to which we are subject due to unnecessary expenses, absurd contracts and theft in general.“, shouted the seller of natural products Pilar Cardona61 years old.

Protesters march against the government of Colombian President Gustavo Petro for health and pension reforms in Bogotá, March 6, 2024. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP) (RAUL ARBOLEDA/)

What is more, “life is terribly expensive. There are many people who are in enormous need.“, added the merchant.

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Inflation stood at 8.35% per year in January and is one of the highest in the region. In turn, GDP grew just 0.6% in 2023, below analysts’ and government expectations.

“Mismanagement of the economy“, he opined Aníbal Romerotrade unionist in the financial sector.

Pedro”He doesn’t want to understand that what this country needs is investment, to create companies, (…) The companies are screwed and the workers are screwed,” the 61-year-old added.

Source: Elcomercio