Colombian President Iván Duque is opening a national dialogue aimed at including citizens in drafting reforms to tackle issues like corruption and inequality.
Duque initiated the dialogue Sunday by gathering recently elected mayors and governors for a meeting in Bogota and announcing a plan of action.
The president outlined six focal topics: bringing economic growth with equality; attacking corruption; bettering education; improving life in areas hard hit by the nation’s long civil conflict; protecting the environment; and strengthening government institutions.
Anti-government demonstrators protest at Bolivar square in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. Authorities are maintaining a heightened police presence amidst scattered unrest in the aftermath of a mass protest that drew about 250,000 to the streets Thursday. (AP PhotoIvan Valencia)
Duque said the talks will include all Colombians and run through March 15.
Thousands took to the streets Thursday in one of the nation’s biggest protests in recent history. Organizers are seeking to keep up the momentum with a student protest Monday.
Youth attend a vigil for Dilan Cruz, who was injured during clashes between anti-government protesters and police, in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. President Ivan Duque said he was ordering an urgent investigation to determine who was responsible for the injuries of the 18 year-old student, who is in hospital in critical condition after he was hit in the head Saturday, apparently by a tear gas canister. (AP PhotoIvan Valencia)
Youth attend a vigil for Dilan Cruz, who was injured during clashes between anti-government protesters and police, in Bogota, Colombia, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. President Ivan Duque said he was ordering an urgent investigation to determine who was responsible for the injuries of the 18 year-old student, who is in hospital in critical condition after he was hit in the head Saturday, apparently by a tear gas canister. (AP PhotoIvan Valencia)