About 70,000 people came out to protest the government’s policies in Colombia

Around 70,000 Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogotá to protest economic and social reforms, proposed by the left government of President Gustavo Petro, Reuters reported.

This is another demonstration against the policies of Petro, who took power in 2022.

According to the Colombian president, the reforms, which were key campaign promisestackle deep inequality, but opponents believe 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 is coming after a Senate committee earlier this month rejected proposed health care reformaimed at taking away the power of insurers and expanding access to health care, as the government took control of two major insurers for failing to properly care for patients.

The government is expected to propose a new version of health 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, protesting 45-year-old female doctor, the government’s policies are terrible. She believes that the health care system has worked, but now it is coming to an end and puts disadvantaged patients in crisis.

Another protester – Miguel Larotta, A 52-year-old accountant, he says he is protesting the mismanagement of Gustavo Petro. He urges the president “not to destroy what works and to put an end to corruptionagainst which he promised to fight”.

Paloma Valencia, senator from the conservative opposition Democratic Center party, founded by former president Alvaro Uribesays that the protest is 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. Demonstrations were held earlier in support of Petro’s reforms.