Economist Podcasts From a tax to attacks: Colombia’s unrelenting unrest
May 24, 2021
Mariana Palau, a correspondent for The Economist, dives into the ongoing civil unrest in Colombia, sparked by proposed tax reforms and amplified by economic inequality. She shares insights from her conversation with President Iván Duque, who grapples with declining public support and rising protests. The discussion sheds light on the youth's frustration over unemployment and corruption, and the shifting political landscape that hints at a potential leadership change. Additionally, Palau highlights the broader impacts of this unrest on Colombia's future.
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Dystopian Cali
- Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, has been experiencing dystopian scenes during the protests.
- Protestors have destroyed public transport, abandoned petrol stations, and blocked streets, demanding change.
Roots of Discontent
- The protests in Colombia are fueled by economic discontent and high inequality, despite economic growth.
- Young people, severely affected by lack of opportunities and the pandemic, are driving the protests.
Duque's Response
- President Duque acknowledges the protests, citing economic needs and desire for social benefits.
- He proposes dialogue and negotiation with peaceful protestors, but also asserts the need for legal action against violence and roadblocks.