President Gustavo Petro returns this Tuesday to his days of public square speeches. This was confirmed by the head of state himself after he called on all political forces of the Historical Pact to take to the streets to defend, in his view, the reform package that will be discussed in Congress.
The mobilizations will take place in the main cities of the country, but the main event will take place at 2 p.m. in front of the Casa de Nariño, where the president will deliver his speech.
Ministers, senators, high councillors, civil servants and even members of the Historical Pact have intensified their activism in recent days in view of the February 14 marches.
“What we are talking about is supporting the program of change from the streets and main squares of the country, and supporting the transformations for which we have decided to lead the first alternative government to president,” said Senator María José Pizarro .
In Barranquilla
Tomorrow the mobilization in the capital of the Atlantic will start at 8:00 am and the meeting point will be the Esthercita Forero Park on 74th Street with Carrera 43.
From there, the government’s supporters walk to Paseo Bolívar. A rally will take place there. Some trade unions, teachers and a group of students from the city’s universities will be present.
Press conference?
There is concern among senators and representatives in the House about the precedent that the mobilizations promoted by the national government could set.
Senator Humberto de la Calle pointed out that what could be brewing is some sort of pressure in light of the cascade of reforms that will be worked into the legislature.
“Defending the right to demonstrate is important, but there is a high risk that they will become a pressure mechanism for Congress. Participatory democracy must not degenerate into coercion,” he stressed.
Similarly, liberal Alejandro Chacón questioned whether the country wants to replace the democratic state with the state of opinion.
“There is no doubt, in the streets and among the people that the government will be made, and it will be a thermometer for Congress. On February 14 and 15, ideological tendencies will be seen in the streets of Colombia, times will be difficult for the parliament, their discussions will be more media-oriented,” Chacón stressed.
Faced with this issue, Senator Alberto Benavides rejected suggestions that the president’s call is to pressure the legislature to vote on the reforms. He also denied that an autocracy is in the making.
“The mobilization is democratic and it is not undue pressure. The struggle of the people cannot be stopped, let alone the socialization of the reforms that have been sought for years. Colombia is changing, democracy will manifest itself in the streets,” he concluded. Former candidates Sergio Fajardo and Enrique Gómez agreed that it is a pity that they are invited to march because of lyrics that are not known.
Source: El Heraldo
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
