Colombian President Petro Calls for Public Mobilization for Farewell Speech on July 20

(CNA Bogota, July 5, Comprehensive Foreign News) Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced today that he plans to hold a public farewell event on July 20 and called on the public to launch large-scale demonstrations to continue promoting social reforms.

According to Agence France-Presse, Petro posted on social platform X: "I invite you all to participate in this popular movement on July 20, and after the march concludes, to listen to my farewell speech as the head of state of Colombia."

This rare move comes on the eve of a change of administration. The incoming president, far-right Abelardo de la Espriella, has received endorsement from U.S. President Trump. In last month's election, Petro's political successor, Ivan Cepeda, narrowly defeated Petro by a slim margin.

Petro stated: "We will not hold it on August 6 or 7, because those are tragic days. We will hold events in public squares across Colombia on July 20."

Petro also called for "full mobilization on the same day to speak out for independence and the continued promotion of social reforms." That day coincides with a national holiday and the swearing-in of the new Congress, where the left still holds the largest number of seats. (Compiled by Chen Yuting) 1150706

Stand with facts, and your every contribution is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "First-Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news in real-time.

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.