Thousands marched in Bogotá on Wednesday against President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government, as part of a national day of mobilization called by trade unions, teachers, and social organizations, and backed by former President Gustavo Petro, to reject its far-right economic and social policies. On social media ahead of the march, Petro urged Colombians to march “for life, so that families can live in dignity and with food,” accusing the new government of eroding people’s purchasing power, and warning it would soon “go after” the minimum wage increase passed during his presidency. In a televised address on Monday, De la Espriella said his government would respect the constitutional right to peaceful protest, but warned that authorities would not hesitate to use force against anyone who tries to "set the country on fire.” He also branded the march’s organizers "instigators of evil.”

From BreakThrough News via This RSS Feed.