Colombia: President Petro Faces Unprecedented Opposition as Protests Sweep Through Major Cities

Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, has faced criticism and opposition from citizens as well as opposition parties and social leaders. In an attempt to undermine the recent protests against his government, he declared a last-minute holiday on Friday. However, this move did not deter hundreds of thousands of Colombians in cities like Cali, Bogota, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga who took to the streets to protest against Petro’s policies.

The demonstrations were organized by ordinary citizens and joined by opposition parties and various social leaders, representing a significant challenge to Petro’s leadership. The turnout was particularly high in Medellín, where an estimated 200,000 protesters gathered. The success of the protests coupled with declining approval ratings for Petro’s government indicates a growing discontent with his presidency.

Despite the widespread protests, some analysts believe that Petro will not be significantly affected by them due to his control over political and financial resources. He has dismissed the demonstrations and plans to counterattack during Labor Day marches in May. However, the public outcry against his government policies remains strong, with calls for his resignation becoming more widespread.

As Petro faces mounting criticism and opposition from citizens as well as opposition parties and social leaders, the future of his presidency remains uncertain. The recent demonstrations signal a growing dissatisfaction with his leadership and policies, raising questions about his ability to govern effectively in the face of public disapproval.