Petro Calls July 20 Rally to Defend Colombia's Reforms
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Gustavo Petro called for nationwide demonstrations on July 20 to defend Colombia's social reforms and deliver his farewell address before leaving office.

Gustavo Petro, Colombia, July 20, Independence Day, social reforms, nationwide mobilization, Bogotá, Cali, Iván Cepeda, Abelardo de la Espriella

Outgoing Colombian president urges nationwide mobilization on Independence Day

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Sunday called for a nationwide mobilization on July 20, Colombia’s Independence Day, to defend the country’s social reforms before leaving office.

RELATED: Colombia Faces Civil Disobedience if De la Espriella Takes Office While Retaining U.S. Citizenship

In a post on X, Petro wrote: “July 20 will be a day of general mobilization to defend independence and the permanence of the social reforms.”

Referring to an event held earlier in the day in Cali, Petro said: “This was today’s event in Cali, where Senator Iván Cepeda begins organizing the resistance.”

¡No pasarán! pic.twitter.com/zR13SIIqDJ

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) July 6, 2026

Text Reads: They shall not pass!

He was referring to the campaign of peaceful civil disobedience launched by the defeated progressive presidential candidate, who called on President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella to renounce his U.S. citizenship after swearing allegiance to the United States.

Petro added: “Above all, we are going to defend the social reforms that the people achieved.”

He also invited Colombians to attend the Independence Day military parade before listening to his farewell address as head of state.

“I invite you this July 20 to accompany the security forces and, after the parade, to listen to my farewell as Colombia’s head of state.”

Petro said he would not deliver his farewell speech on Aug. 6 or 7.

“We will not do it on Aug. 6 or 7; they are tragic dates. We will do it on July 20 in every public square across Colombia.”

He concluded by calling on Colombians to participate in the mobilization.

“July 20 will be the cry of independence of a free people for a free Colombia and for the social reforms.”

“I will be waiting for you in Bosa and Ciudad Bolívar, in the south and west of Bogotá, where the parade and our National Independence cry will take place.”

“Everyone, with Colombia’s flags, clean and joyful.”

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