President Petro Challenges Prosecutor General’s Oversight of Marches Amid Political Controversy

President Petro Challenges Prosecutor General’s Oversight of Marches Amid Political Controversy

On Tuesday afternoon, President Gustavo Petro issued a response to Prosecutor General Margarita Cabello, who had requested the Ministry of the Interior to oversee the marches to prevent them from being used as platforms for promoting any political candidacy. Petro directly confronted the situation, comparing it to U.S. President Joe Biden’s historic move earlier that day. Biden had become the first sitting U.S. head of state to participate in demonstrations advocating for improved conditions for automotive sector workers.

The head of the Public Ministry raised concerns at the National Commission for the Coordination and Monitoring of Electoral Processes. These concerns stem from political organizations, candidates, and citizens voicing worries about marches being exploited for electoral purposes by certain candidates in the upcoming elections.

Moreover, the official issued a warning that if the balance in electoral contests were to be disrupted, regulatory bodies have the mandate to intervene, thereby safeguarding transparency and upholding the political rights of citizens.

(Read Also: President Petro Changes Attorney General Shortlist, Adding Anti-Corruption Expert Luz Adriana Camargo)

Bogota Prepares for Petro-Led Marches on September 27th

On September 27th, Colombia is set to witness a fresh wave of marches, with Bogotá at the center of this mobilization. The Petro Government has organized these demonstrations in support of proposed reforms.

These marches have ignited a substantial debate among various political factions and numerous citizens, primarily due to the recently disclosed contract value for the logistics and setup of the stage and sound systems where key figures of the marches will address the public.

(Read Also: Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy Assures No Blackout Risk Amid the El Nino Phenomenon)

Outcry Grows as Colombian Citizens Question Hefty Price Tag for ‘We Move for Life’ Gathering

The event, titled ‘Social Dialogue, We Move for Life,’ carries an assembly cost exceeding 263 million Colombian pesos, as reported by the National Public Information Agency (Secop).

The logistical preparations for the event, scheduled to commence at approximately 11 a.m. on Wednesday, encompass a range of elements. This includes setting up stages, arranging lighting and sound equipment, and managing catering services for both artists and participants.

In terms of food provisions, the plan includes ten fruit baskets, 200 bottles of water, 100 soft drinks, a variety of sweets and snacks, as well as 50 lunches and 200 snacks. These measures have been put in place to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved throughout the event.

Notwithstanding the criticism, Gustavo Bolívar, the mayoral candidate for Bogotá, has expressed his support for and intention to participate in the marches on Wednesday, September 27th.

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