“We will fight hard for the referendum; we will not vote for the executioners of the people, who buy votes,” Petro said, referring to his government’s proposal to call the population to the polls to decide on vital issues related to labor and health.

The president questioned why so much power is being given to congressmen who oppose the reforms promoted by the Executive Branch, intended to benefit the working class. “What are we doing? Why are we handing over to the executioners of the people the task of making Colombia’s laws, under which a president who can be a friend of the people must govern? Are we electing executioners or friends of the people?” he questioned.

At another point in his speech, Petro asserted that under his administration, the interests of the peasantry and the working class are prioritized. For this reason, he asserted, the minimum wage has increased above inflation and, in the last year, a million jobs have increased, and the agricultural sector has been strengthened.

The president announced that he will promote mechanisms for dialogue between the government and criminal gangs in Barranquilla to improve citizen security. He also stated that building peace in the country means achieving a society where rights are not for some at the expense of others. “Peace is achieving coexistence in a society where rights are for all, and where freedom is possible,” he emphasized.

In his conclusion, the president assured that the people will have his full support if they decide to organize a national strike for their rights. “If it comes to an indefinite strike, the president will never touch the people, but will stand by them. And if they oust me for this, a social revolution will erupt in Colombia, because we haven’t asked for anything that isn’t normal anywhere in the world,” he declared.

Since last week, Petro has called on citizens to declare a permanent assembly, due to the collapse in the Senate of the referendum he personally presented on May 1.

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