On Thursday, September 19, various cities in Colombia are set to witness a new day of mobilizations in support of President Gustavo Petro and his social reforms, as well as to express opposition to a potential coup d'état.
During a recent speech, President Petro emphasized the importance of these mobilizations as a legitimate expression of democracy, stating that "a democracy is the hegemony of the people." He also drew a comparison with the situation in Argentina, where the government violently repressed elderly protesters, highlighting that in Colombia, the priority is to ensure the dignity and well-being of the most vulnerable.
Petro stressed the need to ensure that all elderly individuals have basic resources to live with dignity, asserting, "It is a matter of justice that an elderly person has a plate of soup and means to live, allowing them to die happily." In this context, he reaffirmed his commitment to pension reform, emphasizing that "one has the right to die with a smile on their face."
Additionally, the president questioned long working hours and the belief that wealth is built through excessive labor. "Waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning is not a good society," he argued, calling for a reduction in pension times and advocating for fairer working conditions that guarantee a dignified life for everyone.
In response to criticisms suggesting that these demonstrations exert undue pressure on the courts, Petro made it clear: "This government will never pressure any magistrate." He defended the people's right to express themselves, stating that "no senator or congressperson should think it is improper for the people to speak; that is an aristocratic view."
Today’s mobilizations reflect popular support for the president's proposed reforms and the citizens' desire for social change in the country.