Residents of Colombia took to the streets in support of the reforms that the government intends to hold at the initiative of President Gustavo Petro.
In large cities, including the capital of Bogota, mass processions were held. Demonstrators with Colombian flags in their hands and posters with the image of Petro expressed support to the government.
Protesters condemned Congress, which did not approve the proposed reforms in the field of labor, healthcare, education and the pension system, chanting the slogans in support of the president.
In Bogot, hundreds of people gathered in the National Park, from where they went to the music and slogans to the historical square of Bolivar.
Speaking to the audience in the square, President Petro said that the government would not avoid contacting the people to solve the country’s key problems.
The Colombian political elite forgot what the power of the people means
Petro emphasized that the times when the people oppressed and humiliated were left in the past.
“The Colombian people were changed- because of greed, because of money. The Colombian political elite sold by capital forgot what the power of the people means,” he said.
The president noted that members of the congress who do not support reforms in the interests of the people should not remain in power.
“If the congressmen do not serve the interests of the people, they must leave,” he emphasized.
Vice President of France Marquez, taking part in the march in the city of Kali (the third largest in the country), reminded of the parliamentary elections, which will be held on March 8, 2026.
“In the upcoming elections, you have to make the right decision. If you continue to choose the current composition of the congress, the people will remain in poverty,” she said.
Protests passing under enhanced security measures ended without incident.