Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday urged his supporters to defend the social and economic reforms enacted during his administration and to oppose any attempts by the incoming government to alter labor laws. Petro, a left-wing leader, made the remarks during a speech marking Colombia’s Independence Day, which he said would be his final address as president.
Petro accused Israel and the United States of interfering in the country’s recent presidential election, reiterating claims of electoral fraud. He stated that he would soon present evidence suggesting that vote tallies were manipulated through software supplied by Israel. Colombia’s electoral authorities, however, have dismissed such allegations and officially certified the victory of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.
De la Espriella, a conservative lawyer with dual U.S.-Colombian citizenship, won the June 21 election by approximately 250,000 votes and is set to be inaugurated on August 7. He has pledged to reduce government spending by up to 40% and to introduce labor reforms that would allow companies to hire employees on an hourly basis. The reforms under Petro had increased overtime pay and made it more difficult for employers to engage workers on short-term contracts.
In his speech, Petro called on supporters to mobilize “by the millions” and organize peaceful but large-scale protests if the upcoming administration moves to dismantle labor protections. “We must exercise our opposition in the streets, and resist peacefully … but in an overwhelming manner,” he said.
Political tensions have risen since the election. Iván Cepeda, a close ally of Petro and a losing candidate in the legislative race, initially accepted the election results but later challenged de la Espriella’s legitimacy, citing the president-elect’s U.S. citizenship.
De la Espriella’s entry into politics last year followed his career as a criminal defense lawyer in Florida, representing controversial clients, including former leaders of Colombian paramilitary groups. He has vowed to end ongoing peace negotiations with rebel factions, particularly targeting groups like the National Liberation Army and FARC dissidents, and has promised a tough approach to crime that includes constructing large-scale prisons modeled after facilities in El Salvador.
The president-elect has also expressed a desire to reduce business taxes to enable companies to pay higher wages, contrasting with the Petro administration’s near doubling of the national minimum wage to about $550 per month.
De la Espriella received public endorsement from U.S. former President Donald Trump during the electoral campaign, which Petro cited as grounds to invalidate the election results, alleging foreign interference. Despite these accusations, authorities confirmed the legitimacy of the vote, and de la Espriella has proposed holding his inauguration at a military base to demonstrate support for Colombia’s armed forces.
He also reported threats against his life from armed groups, claiming that rebel factions have offered up to one million dollars for his assassination. De la Espriella has promised to intensify efforts against such groups, which remain influential in rural areas involved in drug trafficking.
Political analysts note that de la Espriella may face challenges implementing his agenda due to a lack of congressional majority, which may require negotiating some policy compromises.
Meanwhile, Petro indicated he might continue his political career by leading his party, the Historical Pact, aiming to maintain influence and ensure that the reformist goals pursued during his presidency endure within Colombia’s political landscape.