Thousands of Colombians protested peacefully across the country on Wednesday against President Abelardo de la Espriella. Demonstrations coincided with the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem.
Thousands of Colombians took to the streets of major cities on Wednesday to protest the policies of new President Abelardo de la Espriella. The demonstrations, which proceeded peacefully, mark the first major show of force by the opposition since De la Espriella took office in August. Former President Gustavo Petro led a rally in Bogota, joined by trade unionists, Indigenous groups, students and feminist activists.
The protests were organized by a coalition of opposition parties, trade unions, Indigenous groups and social movements. Participants expressed concern that reforms introduced during Petro’s presidency, such as expanded access to public universities, increased minimum wages and improved labor protections, are under threat. Opposition groups argue that De la Espriella’s government is advancing austerity measures and cuts to government programs.
Colombia’s Congress has until Tuesday to approve the 2027 fiscal year budget. Allies of De la Espriella are advancing proposals to reduce government spending as part of an austerity policy. The president has pledged to move away from his predecessor’s left-wing course and pursue free-market policies aligned with those of United States President Donald Trump.
"I feel like we have no guarantees and that the little we did obtain...we're about to lose," teacher Ester Guerra, 32, told AFP in Bogota.
On the eve of the marches, De la Espriella issued a decree giving authorities greater powers to crack down on demonstrations in the event of damage to property or blocking of streets. "Violence, vandalism, and blockades that trample on the rights of millions of citizens will not be tolerated," he wrote on X.
Critics slammed the move as an attempt to silence dissent. "They're trying to frighten the population so people don't go out to protest, but it's in the Constitution as a right," said Oscar Perez, a 40-year-old teacher. Despite the decree, the protests this week were largely peaceful.
The demonstrations coincided with the official opening of Colombia's embassy in Jerusalem, a move that reversed the previous administration's decision to sever diplomatic relations with Israel. Former President Petro had cut ties in 2024 over Israel's offensive in Gaza. De la Espriella’s administration also reinstated a free trade agreement with Israel that had been suspended under Petro.
Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula attended the embassy's inauguration ceremony, describing the move as a step toward strengthening bilateral relations. "Israel is a strategic partner. It always has been, and from now on, it will be an even stronger one," Bula said.
Protesters voiced strong disapproval of the foreign policy shift. In Bogota, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and burned an American flag. "Yankees go home," read a placard held by a demonstrator in Medellin. Palestinian officials and Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry condemned the embassy opening, with Saudi Arabia calling it a "blatant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions."
The protests highlight the deep polarization in Colombia following the election of Abelardo de la Espriella, who won a narrow runoff victory in June. The demonstrations signal early resistance to his agenda, which includes hardline security measures, economic austerity and a realignment of foreign policy toward the United States and Israel. The government's decree expanding police powers to manage protests raises concerns among civil society groups about the right to assemble.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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