El Ciudadano
Original article: “Segundo grito de independencia”: Petro convoca a llenar las plazas de Colombia por las reformas sociales
«Second Cry for Independence»: Petro Calls for Citizens to Rally Across Colombia for Social Reforms
In what he termed a «second cry for independence», Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro has urged the public to take to the streets and fill the plazas of the South American nation in defense of the social reforms introduced during his administration.
«On July 20, we will hold a second national cry for independence. I invite all citizens to gather in public squares across the country to support social reforms that benefit the people. Colombia with dignity and for life,» stated the president in a message shared on his X social media account.
The date chosen by the progressive leader holds patriotic significance, commemorating the first cry for independence of Colombia in 1810 and coinciding with the inauguration of the new Congress of the Republic for the 2026-2030 term.
The mobilization is set to take place in front of the El Ensueño theater in the southern part of the capital, commencing at 9:00 a.m. with a parade, followed by the presidential address three hours later at 12:00 p.m.
Thousands of citizens are expected to join Petro at this event, which will pay tribute to members of the Military Forces and the National Police.
He indicated that after the parade, «I will speak to the nation one last time» as head of state, clarifying that «the public force has all the means necessary to prevent attacks, which have always been a danger in Colombia.»
«We will not do it on August 6 or 7, those are tragic dates. We will hold it on July 20 in all public squares in Colombia,» he affirmed.
«We will dance on July 20 because dancing drives away dark energies. Let the sun shine in Colombia and let hope prevail,” he added in another message shared days earlier.
The mobilization of the “second cry for independence” signifies a citizen demand for the initiatives and social programs developed by Petro’s administration to be respected by the far-right Abelardo de la Espriella once he assumes the Colombian presidency starting on August 7.
Reforms to Improve the Quality of Life for Colombians
Since taking office on August 7, 2022, Petro has promoted a series of reforms aimed at enhancing the living conditions of the population and reducing social disparities.
Among these initiatives, the labor reform stands out, which was approved by Congress and sanctioned by the progressive leader on June 25, 2025.
This regulation includes progressively increasing the overtime pay on Sundays and holidays until it reaches 100%, recognizing night work from 7:00 p.m., gradually reducing the workweek to 42 hours, and offering new conditions for apprentices of the National Learning Service (Sena), medical students during their internships, and domestic workers.
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