Former President Gustavo Petro joined thousands of demonstrators in Bogota on Wednesday in a march against austerity measures and the restoration of ties with Israel under President Abelardo de la Espriella. A coalition of opposition parties, trade unions, indigenous groups, and social movements protested against a series of economic and security policies advanced by de la Espriella's administration.
The protests took place in major cities, marking the first day of a nationwide campaign led by Petro. Under his administration, Colombia expanded access to public universities, increased the minimum wage, and improved labor protections. Opposition groups argue that these reforms are now at risk due to proposed cuts to government programs by de la Espriella's government.
Colombia's Congress has until Tuesday to approve its 2027 fiscal year budget, with de la Espriella's allies pushing for reduced government spending as part of austerity measures. The president has expressed intentions to shift the country away from left-wing policies towards free-market approaches similar to those of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ahead of the protests, the government issued new rules for police, granting law enforcement expanded powers to address vandalism and disruptions caused by protesters. De la Espriella stated, "The right to protest is respected, but there is no right to destroy, attack the security forces, assault others or sow chaos," emphasizing that violence and vandalism would not be tolerated.
While some indigenous communities and political groups have historically blocked roads during protests, critics noted that this week's demonstrations have been largely peaceful. Many protesters chanted, "It will fall," referring to perceived failures of de la Espriella's government.
De la Espriella, a former defense lawyer and businessman, was elected in a narrow runoff in June on a far-right platform focused on addressing crime, immigration, and the economy, including proposals to expel migrants and reduce government size. He has also indicated plans to reverse reforms made under Petro, Colombia's first left-wing president, who took office in August.
Petro participated in the protests, stating on social media that the mobilizations were a wake-up call against what he described as a "tyrannical and imposed government." Protesters raised concerns about cuts to labor protections and healthcare under the new administration. Teacher Ester Guerra, 32, expressed her fears of losing hard-won guarantees.
Some demonstrators also protested against the new administration's approach to Israel, carrying Palestinian flags in solidarity. On the same day, de la Espriella's government opened a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, a move that has drawn controversy due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Petro had previously severed relations with Israel, but de la Espriella has sought to restore ties since taking office.
Protester Jimena Rodriguez, a 20-year-old student, criticized the government's actions towards Israel, likening them to those of Trump, who moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in 2018. Rodriguez stated, "I feel dark times are coming."