The former president of Colombia called for an indefinite general strike, arguing that social mobilization should be the main means of opposition to the future government. During his most recent public speech in southern Bogotá, he emphasized that resistance must be forceful, even if peaceful.
He questioned how it would be possible to revoke the decree on working hours, which established stability through labor reform. Petro argued that, given a permanent general strike involving millions of Colombian workers, mere demonstration or waving of flags would not be enough.
The incumbent head of state encouraged unions, indigenous groups, peasants, and popular sectors to peacefully defend the reforms implemented during his four years in office in the streets. He warned that any annulment of the labor reform, approved last June, would represent a setback for workers' rights.
Petro also requested protests if the next government altered the land access policies promoted by his administration. He specified that if the achieved stability and working conditions were dismantled, there would be an indefinite general strike in Colombia. Additionally, if the agrarian reform were attacked with violence, affecting peasants and stealing the remaining 600,000 hectares, a national agricultural paralysis would occur.
In the speech, delivered on Colombia's Independence Day, Petro reinforced the need not to allow the people's achievements to be taken away. He declared that he will continue participating in the country's political life in opposition, even after handing over power on August 7th.
The elected president, Abelardo de la Espriella, whose elections Petro does not recognize due to fraud allegations, announced plans to review several important reforms of the current government, including the labor one, under the justification that these impact job creation and the country's competitiveness. This was Petro's last public statement on Independence Day, celebrated on July 20th, although he will return to Congress today to inaugurate the new legislative period with the elected senators and deputies on March 8th.
The interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, highly praised the work of 6 thousand rescuers during a ceremony broadcast on the state television channel VTV. She stated that their uniform carries great dignity because they, along with 30 thousand employees, brilliantly handled the task of responding to the seismic disaster.
The President emphasized that rescuers from this South American country continued to work and save lives where it seemed impossible. She noted that they showed resilience for the life of every citizen of Venezuela, demonstrating a never-give-up spirit and always being there for others.
The official also praised the work of Venezuelan employees who themselves suffered losses among relatives and colleagues as a result of the double earthquake. The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Internal Administration and Justice, Diosdado Cabello, and the President of the National Assembly, the President's brother, Jorge Rodríguez.
The President of Venezuela awarded representatives of the Armed Forces, Civil Defense, Fire Service, Police, Scientific-Forensic and Judicial Investigation Corps (CICPC), National Health and Forensic Medicine Service (SENAMEF), as well as Control, Monitoring, and Telecommunications Centers (VEN 911).
According to the latest data published on Saturday, the earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela almost a month ago, especially the state of La Guaira near Caracas, have resulted in the deaths of 5,119 people and injuries to 16,740.
