Thousands rally in Colombia against President de la Espriella’s austerity measures

Former left‑wing president Gustavo Petro joined demonstrators in Bogota as opposition groups protested new right‑wing president Abelardo de la Espriella’s austerity agenda.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 03:00:23 GMT

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets in Bogota and other cities on Wednesday, Oct 15, 2026, to protest the austerity and security policies of President Abelardo de la Espriella, according to France 24 and Al Jazeera.

What happened

In the capital, a march organized by a coalition of opposition parties, trade unions, Indigenous groups and social movements gathered near the central plaza. The rally was led by former left‑wing president Gustavo Petro, who addressed the crowd. Demonstrators also assembled in major cities across the country, including Medellín and Cali, chanting slogans against what they described as the most right‑wing government in decades.

What the reports add

France 24 noted that the protests proceeded peacefully and highlighted the participation of trade unionists, Indigenous Colombians, students and feminists. Al Jazeera added that the demonstrations coincided with the first day of a nationwide campaign and mentioned that Congress has until the following Tuesday to approve the 2027 fiscal year budget, a deadline that frames the timing of the austerity measures.

What was said

Teacher Ester Guerra, 32, told AFP in Bogota, “I feel like we have no guarantees and that the little we did obtain… we’re about to lose.” Al Jazeera reported that Gustavo Petro said the reforms achieved during his administration – expanded university access, higher minimum wage and stronger labour protections – are now under threat from the new government’s cuts.

How it came about

President Abelardo de la Espriella took office in August 2026, promising to combat crime and eradicate “narco‑terrorists.” His administration has since introduced austerity proposals that include reductions to government programmes, prompting opposition groups to mobilise. The protests follow recent changes to Colombia’s protest‑response guidelines, which expanded police authority to disperse roadblocks – a development covered by Felo News on Oct 14, 2026 (Colombia expands police authority to disperse protest roadblocks).

Key facts

Thousands marched in Bogota and other Colombian cities on Oct 15, 2026 against President de la Espriella's austerity measures. (france24.com)
Former president Gustavo Petro led the rally and warned that reforms from his term are under threat. (aljazeera.com)
The protests were described as peaceful by France 24. (france24.com)
Colombia's Congress must approve the 2027 fiscal year budget by the following Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera. (aljazeera.com)