Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Colombia on Sunday, rallying against leftist President Gustavo Petro over his latest proposals for a social reform agenda.
Videos posted on X (formerly Twitter) show large groups of protesters filling the streets of several cities, including the capital Bogotá. A video circulating online shows Plaza de Bolívar outside the presidential palace filled with activists, most holding umbrellas and several waving flags above their heads. (Related: ‘Warzone’: Belgian farmers surround government building, spray police with liquid fertilizer in protest)
Plaza Bolívar street in Bogotá.video de @JuanRoCaballero. pic.twitter.com/nKHb7kPR1z
— Lucas Pombo (@lucaspom) April 21, 2024
Since Petro took office in August 2022, many Colombians have spoken out against the leftist leader’s leadership. But momentum is building especially against Petro after it unveiled plans to potentially rewrite the country’s constitution through an agenda of social reforms. according to To the Associated Press. Colombia’s president said his country would need to “convene a constituent assembly,” the legal mechanism that last allowed rewriting the constitution in 1991. according to To Bloomberg.
“Colombia must convene a constituent assembly,” Petro said. “Colombia does not need to kneel.”
🇨🇴 Massive protests against President Petro occur in Colombia
Colombians have been protesting in major cities, expressing widespread dissatisfaction with President Petro, who faces a 64% disapproval rating.
These protests, organized by opposition leaders, aim to challenge Petro’s policies. pic.twitter.com/tP5lqTZd9Q
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 21, 2024
Petro said the reforms would combat deep inequality, but opponents pushed back, arguing they would harm the country’s already struggling economy, US News said. report. But Petro’s plans for social reform in the country were opposed by Colombia’s parliament and conservative business groups, the Associated Press reported.
The paper said Petro suffered further losses last time after Congress refused to pass a bill that would have tightened state control over Colombia’s health care system. The bill is reportedly aimed at reducing medical costs. The leader then responded by ordering the takeover of two of Colombia’s top health insurance companies, on which millions of Colombians depend, according to the Associated Press.
