Colombia's Petro calls on supporters to defend economic reforms in last presidential speech

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro implored his supporters to safeguard his administration's social and economic reforms and resist any attempts by the incoming government to alter the nation's labor laws. In a lengthy speech on Colombia's Independence Day, which he stated would be his last as head of state, the left-wing leader also accused Israel and the United States of interfering in the recent presidential election.

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative lawyer and dual U.S.-Colombian citizen, is set to be sworn in on August 7. He has pledged to reduce government spending by up to 40% and draft labor laws that would allow companies to hire employees on an hourly basis. Petro reiterated his accusations of electoral fraud, asserting he would soon provide evidence of vote tallies being rigged with software allegedly supplied by Israel. However, Colombia's electoral authorities have dismissed these allegations.

Petro called for his supporters to mobilize "by the millions" and organize strikes if the incoming government attempts to change labor laws, which have increased overtime pay and made it more difficult for companies to hire workers on short-term contracts. "We must exercise our opposition in the streets, and resist peacefully ... but in an overwhelming manner," Petro stated. Political tensions have heightened in Colombia following the June 21 presidential election, which de la Espriella won by a narrow margin of 250,000 votes.

The losing candidate, Petro ally Iván Cepeda, initially acknowledged the results but later declared he would not recognize de la Espriella as a legitimate head of state unless he renounces his U.S. citizenship. De la Espriella, a criminal defense lawyer, entered politics after running a Florida law firm representing high-profile clients, including former leaders of Colombian paramilitary groups and businessmen charged with money laundering. He has promised to cancel peace talks with rebel groups and implement a strict approach to crime, including building mega-prisons modeled after El Salvador's CECOT penitentiary. De la Espriella also intends to reduce business taxes to enable companies to pay workers higher wages, a contrast to Petro's administration, which nearly doubled the minimum wage to around $550 per month.

De la Espriella received an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump during the election campaign, which Petro cited on Monday as a reason to annul the results, calling it interference in Colombia's domestic affairs. Despite Petro's claims, Colombia's electoral authorities have certified de la Espriella's victory. The president-elect has indicated a desire to hold his inauguration ceremony at a military base to show support for the nation's armed forces.

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We must exercise our opposition in the streets, and resist peacefully ... but in an overwhelming manner.