Colombia faces its first mass protests against government

Colombia is experiencing a day of demonstrations against the government of new president Abelardo de la Espriella, according to CNN, which reported on October 15, 2026. Unions, indigenous organizations, students and social movements are taking part in the protests, called to express their rejection of the new administration's policies on security, peace, the economy and social affairs.

The demonstrations have the backing of sectors linked to former president Gustavo Petro, in a setting that tests the new government's capacity to respond to the demands of different sectors of society. The mobilization comes at a time when the International Monetary Fund projects real GDP growth of 2.3% for 2026 and 2.5% for 2027, figures that contrast with mounting social tension on the streets of the South American country.

Going forward, it will be necessary to watch how the executive responds to the discontent and the impact of these mobilizations on Colombia's political and economic stability.