On October 23, government supporters in Colombia will hold rallies in several major cities in support of President Gustavo Petro’s reforms. These demonstrations, planned in cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, aim to promote reforms concerning health, work and pensions. The main demonstration will be held in Bogotá, in the Plaza de Bolívar, a symbolic place for social movements in Colombia.
These mobilizations support the measures proposed by Petro, which encountered much resistance, particularly around the reform of the health system, considered too complex to administer. Activists, including many unions and supporters of the government coalition, defend these reforms as crucial to improving access to social services, particularly in rural areas.
Local authorities will increase security around protest sites to avoid any incidents. We expect disruptions to traffic and public transport, particularly in areas close to gatherings. Local businesses could also be affected.
The move comes amid growing political division in Colombia, where Petro’s popularity has plummeted, partly due to criticism of his reforms, but also recent political scandals. Anti-government protests have also taken place recently, pitting sectors against each other against these changes, heightening tensions.
