Colombia opposition protests against de la Espriella's austerity drive

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 03:14 · Archive

Thousands demonstrated across Colombia on Wednesday against right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella's economic cuts and policy shifts.

Thousands of Colombians protested peacefully across the country on Wednesday against right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella, marking the first major opposition demonstrations since he took office in August. Former left-wing President Gustavo Petro led a rally in Bogota, joined by trade unionists, indigenous groups, students and feminist activists.

Under Petro's administration, Colombia expanded free access to public universities, increased the minimum wage and improved labour protections for workers. Opposition groups say many of those reforms are now under threat as de la Espriella's government advances austerity measures and proposes cuts to government spending. Colombia's Congress has until Tuesday to approve its 2027 fiscal year budget. De la Espriella has pledged to shift Colombia towards free-market policies aligned with those of United States President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the protests, de la Espriella issued a decree giving police expanded powers to deal with protesters who vandalise property or disrupt essential services. He stated that 'violence, vandalism and blockades that trample on the rights of millions of citizens will not be tolerated'. Critics noted that this week's protests have been largely peaceful. Teacher Ester Guerra, aged 32, told AFP in Bogota: 'I feel like we have no guarantees and that the little we did obtain...we're about to lose.'

How it is being reported

• Thousands protest across Colombia against new right-wing presidentThousands of Colombians protested peacefully across the country on Wednesday against right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella, in the opposition’s first major demonstrations since he took office in August. Former leftist President Gustavo Petro led a rally in Bogota, joined by trade unionists, Indigenous groups, students and feminist activists.France 24 · 15 Oct, 02:57
• Colombia opposition groups launch protest against de la Espriella’s cutsFormer President Gustavo Petro joined thousands of demonstrators in Bogota in march against austerity, Israel ties.Al Jazeera · 14 Oct, 22:35

In this story: Abelardo de la Espriella · Gustavo Petro · Colombia · Bogota · United States · Donald Trump

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