Colombia opposition groups launch protest against de la Espriella’s cuts
Former President Gustavo Petro joined thousands of demonstrators in Bogota in march against austerity, Israel ties.
Key points
- Thousands protested in Colombia against President Abelardo de la Espriella's economic and security policies.
- Opposition groups say reforms made under former President Gustavo Petro are now under threat.
- De la Espriella issued a decree expanding police powers ahead of the protests.
Thousands of people marched in Colombia on Wednesday, including in the capital Bogota, to protest economic and security policies advanced under right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella. The demonstrations were the first day of a nationwide campaign led by former left-wing President Gustavo Petro, with opposition parties, trade unions, indigenous groups and social movements taking part.
Organisers say reforms introduced under Petro, such as expanded access to public universities, a higher minimum wage and improved labour protections, are now under threat as de la Espriella's government embraces cuts to government programmes.
Budget deadline and austerity
Colombia's Congress has until Tuesday to approve its 2027 fiscal year budget. As part of the new administration's austerity measures, allies of de la Espriella are advancing proposals to reduce government spending.
De la Espriella has pledged to turn Colombia away from his predecessor's left-wing leanings and towards more free-market policies aligned with those of United States President Donald Trump.
I feel like we have no guarantees and that the little we did obtain … we're about to lose
— teacher Ester Guerra, 32
New police powers
Ahead of the protests, the government issued new rules for police, handing expanded powers to law enforcement to deal more quickly with protesters who vandalise public property or disrupt access to essential services.
In a social media statement announcing the decree, de la Espriella said the right to protest is respected but that there is no right to destroy, attack the security forces, assault others or sow chaos. He added that violence, vandalism and blockades that trample on the rights of millions of citizens will not be tolerated.
Critics pointed out that this week's protests have been largely peaceful. Many chanted "It will fall", a reference to the perceived failure of de la Espriella's government.
