Colombia: Trade union members to resume protest against tax reform, corruption from Sep 28

In latest developments, Colombian trade union members have invited people to protest against tax reform and corruption. Through a statement, trade union association has called on Colombians "to mobilise on September 28" to resume demonstrations against new tax bills presented before Congress on July 20. tax proposal drew widespread criticism from citizens after it was proposed in April this year.

In his statement, Colombian Trade Union Leader Francisco Maltes Tello said that newly-presented reforms were t discussed with trade unions and governmental organisations. revised bill was just presented by government of President Ivan Duque as a measure to meet debt and expanding fiscal deficit, Al Jazeera reported.

"We are inviting all Colombians to mobilize on September 28 in name of life, peace, and democracy against new pack (of reform) of (President Ivan) Duque and corruption," ANI reported quoting Maltes, citing his interview with a local broadcaster.

Protests against tax reform

rallies in Colombia initiated on April 28 and continued even after withdrawal of first legislation on May 2. "contentious tax reform" bill invoked thousands of students and trade union workers to demonstrate on streets of South American nation. weekly protests were suspended last month on June 15 following spike in COVID-19 cases in country.

On September 7, protestors took to streets again in several Colombian cities with an array of demands besides withdrawal of reformed tax laws. protestors demanded social and health care improvements, demilitarisation of cities, and dissolution of Mobile Anti-Disturbance Squadron Forces, educational equality, and probe into corruption cases, news ncy reported.

protesters gared in Bogota and raised slogans against government. demonstrations, led by National Strike Committee, also urged government to "make decisions in favour of Colombians." As per official data, six-week long-running protests have claimed more than two dozen deaths roughly as a result of violent clashes with law enforcement forces. However, human rights activists reported more than 80 casualties.

(With inputs from ANI)

(Im: AP)