In the main cities of Colombia, thousands of people protested this Sunday against the government of Gustavo Petro. The diverse group of protestors included medical organizations, the opposition, centrist political forces, and former allies who now reject Petro’s projects to nationalize the health service and other reform initiatives. The protesters also expressed their dissatisfaction with ongoing violence despite peace negotiations with armed groups.
Martha Estrada, a 64-year-old pensioner in Bogotá, marched and expressed her disappointment with Petro by stating that she believes Colombia still has hope and loves her country. Despite the rain in the capital, tens of thousands advanced towards the Plaza de Bolívar, neighboring the presidential headquarters.
Petro is facing 60% disapproval according to pollster Invamer. One of his reform projects has divided the country due to its implementation and intervention in health entities by the government. Protesters expressed their disagreement with the current management of the health system, highlighting issues such as medication shortages and delays in patient care. Some critics believe that the government has created more problems than solutions, especially for younger people who are negatively affected by it.
The protests also highlighted issues of insecurity and ongoing violence by guerrillas and drug traffickers in rural areas despite peace negotiations with armed groups have faced setbacks due to violations of agreements and a lack of willingness to lay down arms. Additionally, protesters criticized Petro for his slow response to a severe water crisis caused by drought which occurred amidst these protests. Nonetheless, Petro declared a “civic day” to save water and energy despite criticism from his detractors who saw it as an attempt to discourage protests.
In conclusion, despite his popularity decline after twenty months in office as president of Colombia Gustavo Petro continues to face criticism from different sectors including medical organizations, opposition parties centrist political forces and even some former allies over various policy decisions including nationalization of health services reform initiatives as well as ongoing violence despite peace negotiations with armed groups.
