Celebration erupts in Colombia as first leftist President, ex-guerrilla sworn into office
Supporters of Gustavo Petro and Francia Márquez took to the streets of downtown Bogotá during the presidential inauguration on August 7, 2022.
- 1 year ago
August 11, 2022
On Sunday, August 7, 2022, the city of Bogotá erupted into celebration as the first leftist President in the country’s history took his oath of office. Gustavo Petro, once a member of Colombia’s M-19 guerrilla group, beat out conservative candidates in a party that long held power there. Thousands of people, including men and women from remote areas of the country, flocked to the Plaza de Bolívar and surrounding squares to witness the inauguration of the first left-wing government in Colombia. The crowd included the Indigenous Guard, peasants from the south of the country, Afro-descendant communities, youth, and survivors of the Patriotic Union. Petro promises to tackle inequality, boost anti-poverty programs, and bring more focus to rural communities. It was a historic day for many in Colombia.
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