Petro calls for protests in farewell speech amid Colombia power transition tensions

Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro used his final Independence Day address to urge supporters to defend his social and economic reforms and resist the incoming administration's plans. Petro called for 'peaceful' but 'overwhelming' mobilizations and strikes if President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella attempts to change labor laws that have increased overtime pay and restricted short-term hiring Source: AP.

Disputed election and foreign interference allegations

Petro repeated unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud, alleging that Israel provided software to rig vote tallies. Colombia's electoral authorities have dismissed these allegations, and international observers found no evidence of fraud Source: Al Jazeera. Petro also accused Israel and the United States of interfering in the election—charges denied by both countries. In a separate claim, he said Colombia's national sovereignty was violated by foreigners who 'usurped the people's right to choose freely' Source: Al Jazeera.

Inauguration dispute and political tensions

The president-elect plans to take the oath of office on August 7 at a military base in southern Colombia, a move Petro has rejected, asserting that only Congress can host the ceremony. De la Espriella has accused Petro of plotting a 'coup' and vowed no leniency for those challenging constitutional order Source: Al Jazeera. The election—won by de la Espriella by less than one percent of the vote—was one of Colombia's closest, and Petro has promised a peaceful transition but will not attend the inauguration.

• Petro severed ties with Israel in 2024 over its Gaza war; de la Espriella plans to restore them and move Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem Source: Al Jazeera.
• Petro ally Iván Cepeda, the losing candidate, initially conceded but later said he would not recognize de la Espriella unless he renounces his U.S. citizenship Source: AP.