On November 23, 2024, thousands of Colombians protested across major cities against President Gustavo Petro’s proposed reforms, arguing they reflect corruption and threaten democratic stability. Key issues included health, labor, and pensions, with Petro dismissing the protests as attempts to destabilize his government. The unrest follows ongoing opposition to Petro’s agenda since he took office in 2022, illustrating deepening political divisions in Colombia.
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, a significant number of Colombians took to the streets in various urban centers, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, to voice their opposition to President Gustavo Petro’s proposed reforms. The demonstrations centered on dissatisfaction with initiatives related to healthcare, labor, and pensions, as well as widespread allegations of corruption within the administration. Among the demonstrators were retired military personnel and members of the opposition, who carried Colombian flags and raised placards denouncing the reforms, such as “No to Petro reforms” and “No to labor reforms.”
President Petro, responding to the protests, accused the demonstrators of attempting to destabilize his government and claimed that only approximately 20,000 individuals participated. He characterized the protests as a threat to democracy, asserting, “In Colombia, we will stop the coup d’état.” These protests are part of a larger trend that has seen ongoing civil unrest since his inauguration in 2022, which has intensified in recent months due to his reform agenda.
The recent protests in Colombia reflect a growing discontent among segments of the population regarding President Gustavo Petro’s reform policies. Following his election in 2022, Petro has pursued an agenda aimed at addressing inequalities and corruption; however, these proposals have been met with significant backlash. The opposition is galvanized by concerns over the potential impacts of reforms in critical areas such as labor and healthcare, signaling a pivotal moment in Colombia’s political landscape. The events of November 23 can be viewed within the context of a broader pattern of civil protest that has emerged under Petro’s rule, as citizens increasingly express their dissatisfaction.
The demonstrations on November 23, 2024, represent a crucial chapter in Colombia’s ongoing struggle over political direction and reform under President Gustavo Petro. While the administration attempts to advance policies aimed at reforming issues of corruption and inequality, public resistance continues to mount, highlighting a palpable rift between governmental proposals and public sentiment. The assertion by Petro that the protests are a coup attempt further complicates the political discourse as Colombia navigates through this tumultuous period.
Original Source: apnews.com
