Colombia opposition groups launch protest against de la Espriella’s cuts

Former left-wing President Gustavo Petro joined thousands of demonstrators in Bogota in a march against austerity, restored Israel ties.

A coalition of opposition parties, trade unions, indigenous groups and social movements has protested in Colombia against a series of economic and security policies advanced under right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Under Petro, Colombia expanded access to public universities, increased the minimum wage and improved labour protections for workers.

Colombia’s Congress has until Tuesday to approve its 2027 fiscal year budget. But as part of the new administration’s austerity measures, allies of de la Espriella are advancing proposals to reduce government spending.

The government issued new rules for police ahead of the protests, handing expanded powers to law enforcement to more quickly deal with protesters who vandalise public property or disrupt access to essential services.

He added that “violence, vandalism and blockades that trample on the rights of millions of citizens will not be tolerated”.

But critics have pointed out that the protests this week have been largely peaceful.

A former defence lawyer and millionaire businessman, de la Espriella was a political newcomer when he ran for the presidency this year on a far-right ticket.

De la Espriella also pledged to backtrack on reforms made under Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president. He took office in August.

He wrote on social media that the mobilisations were a wake-up call “two months into the start of a tyrannical and imposed government”.