By Ronald J. Morgan
Colombia’s new president Gustavo Petro has announced an ambitious agenda that aims to roll back neoliberal and militaristic policies of the past. He also plans to reactiviate the peace agreement signed in 2016. A particular emphasis will be put on reestablishing the rural developmet provisions in Part 1 of the agreement. 1
Petro plans to introduce an ambitious tax reform which will raise 11,5 billion U.S. more funds for social programs and require more tax payments by the rich. Petro’s predecessor Ivan Duque had proposed a neoliberal tax plan which lead to nation-wide protests.
Partly because of deaths during the protests the new president has announced plans to disband a controversial anti riot unit known as ESMAD. Petro also plans a different approach to the long standing drug war backed by the United States. Petro has ordered the ending of glifosate spraying on drug crops. He also has proposed a different approach to drug trafficker prosecutions and extradition to the United States.
Petro has decided to deactivate tensions with Venezuela and move toward normal relations. Petro also has formed a team to reach out to the remaining Colombian insurgents such as the ELN, FARC dissidents and rightwing paramilitaries.
Petro also will confront Colombia’s major economic interests by reducing the country’s emphasis on petroleum extraction and mining. This will nclude ending fracking oil extraction experiments. Recently, antifracking activiists have been threatened. Petro also has been shot at since taking office. Colombias free trade agreement with the U.S. could also be upended.
Petro Puts Colombia Left in Power
Petro plans to improve health care, increase access to free education and combat poverty. Improvements in pension system coverage also are being planned.
So far, a wide range of political forces are backing Petro in congress and this should allow some moving foreward of his agenda. According to a Telesur report Petro has achieved a majority of 63 out of 108 seats in the senate and 114 out of 186 seats in the chamber of deputies.
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SOURCES:
Cambios clave que introducira el nuevo presidente de Colombia https://www.bnamericas.com/es/noticias/los-cambios-clave-que-introducira-el-nuevo-presidente-de-colombia
Colombias new president Petro propose ambitious Tax Reform https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/9/colombias-new-president-petro-proposes-ambitious-tax-reforms
Gustavo Petro to have Majority in the Colombian Congress https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Gustavo-Petro-To-Have-Majority-in-the-Colombian-Chambers-20220720-0008.html
Se instala el congreso de Colombia con mayoría reunidas en favor del nuevo gobierno Gustavo Petro https://www.aa.com.tr/es/mundo/se-instala-el-congreso-de-colombia-con-mayor%C3%ADas-reunidas-a-favor-del-nuevo-gobierno-de-gustavo-petro/2641951
Colombia tax the rich plan https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/26/colombia-tax-the-rich-plan-poverty-gustavo-petro
Colombian Peace Accords Analysed https://wordpress.com/post/roadstoresistance.wordpress.com/5253
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