Opposition Calls First Day of Protests Against De la Espriella
Colombia is holding its first major day of protests against President Abelardo De la Espriella’s government this Wednesday, October 14, with unions, social organizations, teachers, and left-wing groups mobilizing to express their opposition to the administration’s initial decisions. The protests will test the mobilization capacity of an opposition that lost power just over two months […]
Colombia's opposition made headlines on Wednesday, October 14, as they launched their first protests against President Abelardo De la Espriella's administration. The demonstrations, organized by unions, social organizations, teachers, and left-wing groups, were aimed at voicing opposition to the government's initial decisions and a new decree regulating protests.
The protests took place as the new Decree 1525 of 2026 came into effect, which changed rules regarding police conduct during protests. Opposition leaders, including the Central Unitary Workers' Union (CUT), the Colombian Federation of Educators (Fecode), and the historic pact led by former President Gustavo Petro, joined forces to protest against the government's actions.
They criticized the government for not discussing the new protocol with the public or social organizations, describing it as an "intimidation strategy" and an attempt to criminalize peaceful protesters. The protests were a significant test of both the opposition's mobilization capacity and the government's ability to handle social discontent.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
