Colombian University Students Protest in Bogotá, Demanding Increased Education Funding

Tens of thousands of Colombian university students marched in Bogotá on April 25, 2024, protesting against economic and social reforms proposed by the leftist government of President Gustavo Petro. The protesters, estimated at around 70,000 by the city government, chanted "out with Petro" and waved national flags as they took to the streets of the capital.

The march was in response to Petro's key campaign promises, including a proposed health reform that was recently rejected by a Senate committee. Protesters criticized the government's policies, with a doctor saying the health system was being plunged into crisis, and an accountant demanding that Petro not "destroy what works and put an end to the corruption he promised to fight."

In addition to opposing the proposed reforms, the students demanded increased funding for education. The march was attended not only by Petro's opponents but also by some who had voted for him two years ago. Similar protests also took place in other Colombian cities like Medellín and Cali.

Why this matters: The protests underscore growing discontent with Petro's leftist policies and the challenges he faces in delivering on his campaign promises. The rejection of the health reform by the Senate committee is a significant setback for Petro, who has vowed to transform Colombia's economy and society.

During the protests on April 21, several journalists were victims of physical and verbal attacks, obstruction of their work, and threats, which forced them to interrupt their coverage to ensure their safety. The journalists were accused of being "sell-out journalists," "provocators," "leftists," and of manipulating information about the demonstration. Eight journalists had bottles, cans, water, and other substances thrown at them while reporting.

In Barranquilla, a photographer and presenter from El Tiempo were approached by a man who tried to prevent their live broadcast, and in another incident, an RTVC correspondent in Atlántico was surrounded and had her hair pulled and arm hit. This was not the first time RTVC journalists had been attacked, as they had also reported similar incidents during protests in Bogotá in March.

The protests on April 25 were largely peaceful, with no major incidents of violence reported. However, the attacks on journalists during the earlier demonstrations emphasize the risks faced by media personnel covering sensitive political events in Colombia. As one protester stated, "We are here to make our voices heard and demand change, but violence against the press is never acceptable."

Key Takeaways

• Tens of thousands of Colombian students protested Petro's proposed reforms.
• Protesters criticized Petro's policies, including a rejected health reform.
• Students demanded increased education funding and opposed Petro's leftist agenda.
• Journalists faced attacks, threats, and obstruction while covering the protests.
• The protests underscored growing discontent with Petro's policies and challenges.