Colombians take to the streets to protest leftist government’s reforms

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Colombia's opposition, led by right-wing parties, called Wednesday for mobilizations against the healthcare reform proposed by the government of Gustavo Petro, who came to power last August promising sweeping changes to achieve equality in the country.

Thousands of people marched in 12 cities including the capital Bogota, Medellin and Cali wearing white T-shirts and waving the national flag, chanting “​​No more Petro, no more reforms that take away people's rights.”

The demonstrations took place a day after Petro summoned his followers to take to the streets to rally in favor of the health reform as well as the pension, justice and labor amendments he announced the government will present soon.

The country’s first-ever leftist president introduced the healthcare plan before Congress on Monday, including initiatives to promote a health prevention model, increase pay for workers in the sector, strengthen public hospitals and increase the role of the state in healthcare.

The reform has been generating controversy in the country.

While the government says it is a law intended to include historically marginalized groups in the health system, the opposition argues that it is a threat to the country’s economic stability.

A survey published a few days ago showed that 63% of Colombians do not agree with making a major change that is contemplated in the government´s reform.

The opposition’s mobilizations gathered many more people than those called by President Petro, who delivered a speech Tuesday from the balcony of the presidential palace in the presence of his wife and daughter.

"Only if society mobilizes will we be able to build a Colombia that is a world power of life," he said after being criticized for summoning the people in what critics called a populist move.

The opposition protests were initially scheduled for Tuesday but were rescheduled after the president called on his followers to take to the streets on the same date.