The situation in the country is becoming more and more complex, after transporters decided to go on strike this week to protest against the increase in diesel fuel. In the last few hours, several blockades have been set up in different departments, with Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Santander, Meta and Cesar being the most affected.
Through his official X account, President Gustavo Petro spoke out regarding the protests that have been taking place and pointed out once again that the increase in diesel prices is necessary, since there is currently a fairly large deficit in the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund (FEPC).
“The country will not allow itself to be blocked. The diesel price increase is fair because it is only recovering the money from a subsidy that should never have been given and that already accounts for a large fraction of Colombia’s public debt.” the head of state initially stated.
Rafaela Cortés, governor of Meta, spoke to reporters on Wednesday and did not hide her annoyance at these statements, pointing out that the governor of Córdoba cannot make such statements in the midst of such a critical situation as the one Colombia is currently experiencing.
Likewise, the public servant took advantage of the conversation with this media to say that President Petro should not reduce the debate to rich and poor, since the blockades affect all citizens. She also stressed that it is not a time to divide, but to unite.
“Here we cannot divide the country between rich and poor, we are all affected here. One cannot sit down and divide the country between the poor and the rich, the left and the right. This is a national problem, and we all have to sit down and look at how to reduce this gap. We have to sit down and reach agreements and dialogue.”Cortés said.
Major General (R) Juvenal Díaz, Governor of Santander, also spoke with and noted that President Petro has in his hands the solution to lift the blockades.
“This government has always been against the use of force in protests, Therefore, this government has the solution to resolve this problem. Based on the promise made during the campaign, the president must freeze the price of diesel fuel and reach an agreement with the transporters. We need to sit down with them and explain to them what the real situation in the country is,” he concluded.
Jorge Ignacio García, president of the Colombian Confederation of Transporters, spoke exclusively with and said that last week they presented a proposal to the Government to avoid this increase in diesel fuel. He also pointed out that they have met through “virtual interventions” and everyone has agreed that the solution lies with the Ministry of Finance, headed by Ricardo Bonilla.
