OProtesters protested today against several government reforms, including the plan to nationalize health services, but also against the violence that continues despite peace negotiations with armed groups.
“I voted for change, for Petro, but we’re still in the same situation. I’m demonstrating because I think Colombia still has hope and because I love my country,” said Martha Estrada, a 64-year-old retiree who participated in the protests in Bogotá , speaking to the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Despite the rain felt in the capital today, tens of thousands of protesters headed to Bolívar Square, next to the presidential palace, adds AFP.
In Cali (southwest), Medellín (northwest), Barranquilla (north), Bucaramanga (northeast) and other cities, protesters gathered with Colombian flags, white t-shirts and a unanimous cry: “Petro out!”.
One of his reform projects, health, divided the country, as Petro began to apply several administrative measures despite the difficulties encountered in obtaining support from congress.
The president wants to reduce the involvement of the private sector in the provision of health services and, in recent days, has intervened in several entities that act as intermediaries between the State and hospitals, in order to control their budgets.
Experts agree that the healthcare system is broken and needs to be reformed, but some question how the Government intends to do so.
Gustavo Petro came to power in August 2020, becoming the first left-wing man to govern a country traditionally run by conservative elites.
With a disapproval rate of 60%, according to the latest polls, the president has lost the support of political forces in Congress and on the streets.
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Source: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/2545615/dezenas-de-milhares-manifestaram-se-contra-governo-de-gustavo-petro
