Colombian opposition groups protest against de la Espriella's spending cuts

A coalition of opposition parties, trade unions, indigenous organisations and social movements held protests across Colombia against economic and security measures introduced by right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Thousands of demonstrators took part in marches in major cities, including the capital Bogota, on Wednesday, marking the start of a nationwide campaign organised by former left-wing President Gustavo Petro.

During Petro's time in office, Colombia had expanded access to public universities, raised the minimum wage and strengthened labour protections for workers. Opposition groups argue that these reforms are now at risk as the de la Espriella government pursues cuts to state programmes.

Colombia's Congress faces a deadline on Tuesday to pass the 2027 fiscal year budget. Allies of de la Espriella are pushing for reduced government spending as part of broader austerity measures.

De la Espriella has said he intends to shift Colombia away from the left-wing policies of his predecessor and towards free-market approaches more closely aligned with those of United States President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the demonstrations, the government introduced new regulations granting police expanded authority to respond more rapidly to protesters who damage public property or block access to essential services. De la Espriella stated on social media that while the right to protest is respected, actions involving destruction, attacks on security forces, assaults on others, or causing disorder would not be tolerated.