2024-04-22 22:32:43
Gustavo Petro speaks out after massive demonstrations against him and pointed out that they had more or less 250,000 people throughout the country.
After the massive demonstrations on Sunday against his governmentPresident Gustavo Petro came out to speak, offering his perspective on the protests that brought together thousands of people in various cities across the country.
«The demonstrations against the government had more or less 250,000 people throughout the country, being especially strong in Medellín, Bogotá and Bucaramanga. However, in other cities, which totaled 18 sites, the marches were weaker,” declared the head of state.
Petro emphasized that his government has fully respected the right to demonstrate, reiterating its commitment to freedom of expression and citizen rights. «One of the central characteristics of my government is to respect freedom of expression and the rights of the people“, he claimed.
The president pointed out that the The main objective of the marches is to shout “Petro out” and overthrow the government of change. According to him, this process constitutes a “soft coup” aimed at annulling the popular decision to change in 2022.
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Likewise, Petro denounced that some sectors of the protesters seek to undo the reforms in favor of the people to maintain control of large sums of public money in the hands of individuals. «Rejection of reforms by those who believe they are owners of public money«, he expressed.
The president also addressed criticism of his government, describing the speech of some sectors as based on hate and lies. «Hate is the central axis of the message. A hatred that I do not want to return to power«Petro stated.
Given the diverse opinions expressed in the demonstrations, Petro urged the popular forces to respond, pointing to next May 1 as a significant date.
«It is not about dividing the country, it is already divided. It is about making the popular voice also sound«Declared Petro, calling for dialogue and understanding, but making it clear that there will be no agreement if an attempt is made to circumvent the popular will expressed in the elections.
In his final words, Petro stressed that the fate of his government will depend exclusively on the support of the people and reaffirmed his commitment to change towards greater social justice and equity for all citizens.
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