Colombians, fearing for rights, march against right-wing president

Thousands of Colombians marched through the streets of cities nationwide on Wednesday, protesting the policies of new right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella. The demonstrations were the first show of force by the opposition since de la Espriella assumed office in August, promising to combat crime and eradicate narco-terrorists.

The protests, organized by labor unions, teachers' organizations, student groups, and opposition parties, began peacefully but escalated into heated confrontations as night fell, with police deployments, water cannons, and tear gas used to disperse crowds. Opposition senator Maria Eugenia Londono reported "heavy repressive deployments" in various locations across the country.

De la Espriella, a US-backed millionaire and member of a right-wing wave sweeping Latin America, faced criticism from leftists who fear his policies will undermine the gains made under his predecessor, a leftist president who expanded free access to public universities, raised the minimum wage, and improved labor conditions. Leftists expressed concern that these advancements were under threat from the new administration.

Under de la Espriella's leadership, Colombia had restored diplomatic relations with Israel, a move that led some protesters to burn an American flag in the streets, while others displayed Palestinian flags. The president's foreign policy and authoritarian tendencies drew strong disapproval from demonstrators. As the marches concluded, participants voiced fears that their hard-fought rights and advances might be lost under the new administration.