Huge crowds protest Colombian president’s planned reforms
Al JazeeraApr 19
Colombia: Crowds Protest Planned Reforms
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The Facts
Large crowds rallied across Colombia on Sunday to protest economic and social reforms proposed by the country's first-ever leftist president, Gustavo Petro.
While opposition politicians have declared that over half a million people took to the streets in Bogotá and Medellín alone, Petro said attendance was about 250K nationwide.
The Spin
Right narrative
Colombians have made history this weekend by taking to the streets in a peaceful and civic manner to express their dissatisfaction with Petro's leadership. As the nation worries about potential threats to institutional integrity and its hard-earned democracy, Petro must respect democracy and the Constitution.
Left narrative
Sunday's demonstrations weren't nearly as big as the opposition claims, and many of those in the streets were from other walks of life with their own motives. If conservatives and far-right parties are so confident they have the people on their side, they should agree to a constituent assembly.
