The Colombian protests reflect a deep legitimacy crisis

  • FA (Fabio) Diaz Pabon

Press/Media: Expert commentPopular

Description

The country could slip into another cycle of violence if the government continues to ignore people’s grievances.

Period22 May 2021

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleThe Colombian protests reflect a deep legitimacy crisis
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletAljazeera
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/Size1200 words
    Country/TerritoryNetherlands
    Date22/05/21
    DescriptionOn April 28, protests erupted across Colombia after the right-wing government of Ivan Duque proposed increasing taxes amid the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Although the president withdrew the contentious tax reform proposal in the face of public anger, demonstrations have persisted, aggravated by a brutal crackdown.

    At least 40 protesters have been killed and hundreds injured by security forces and armed men dressed in civilian clothes. Many have been arrested and dozens of women have been sexually assaulted by police officers.

    The escalation of violence reflects not only the failure of the government to address longstanding socioeconomic grievances but also its increasing loss of legitimacy and retreat of democracy. This is putting the country at risk of slipping back into conflict.

    Producer/AuthorFabio Andrés Díaz Pabón, Maria Gabriela Palacio
    URLhttps://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/5/22/the-colombian-protests-reflect-a-deep-legitimacy-crisis
    PersonsFA (Fabio) Diaz Pabon