About 70,000 Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogota to protest economic and social reforms proposed by the left-wing government of President Gustavo Petro, Reuters reported.
This is another demonstration against the policies of Petro, who took power in 2022.
The Colombian president says the reforms, which were key campaign promises, will tackle deep inequality, but opponents say they will hurt the country’s already struggling economy.
Despite gray skies and rain, thousands marched in the capital chanting “out with Petro”, waving national flags and blowing trumpets before gathering in the central Bolivar Square.
The march comes after a Senate committee earlier this month rejected proposed health reform aimed at stripping insurers of their powers and expanding access to health care after the government seized control of two major insurers for failing to properly care for patients.
The government is expected to propose a new version of health care reform after the new legislative session begins in July. The pension and labor reforms are still being discussed by the MPs.
According to Monica Leon, a protesting 45-year-old doctor, the government’s policies are terrible. She believes the health care system has worked, but is now collapsing and putting disadvantaged patients in crisis.
Another protester, Miguel Larota, a 52-year-old accountant, says he is protesting Gustavo Petro’s mismanagement. He insists that the president “do not destroy what is working and put an end to the corruption he promised to fight.”
Paloma Valencia, a senator from the conservative opposition Democratic Center party founded by former president Alvaro Uribe, said the protest was attended not only by opponents but also by people who voted for Petro two years ago.
In the cities of Medellin and Cali, people also protested. Earlier, demonstrations were held in support of Petro’s reforms.
