Colombia protest, hungry seabirds and a smoking Mount Etna

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-29 • Permanent link

Protests in Colombia have entered their fifth week, with demonstrators continuing to demand greater economic and social reforms. The National Administrative Court has ruled that the government's proposed constitutional reform, which would allow the president to run for re-election, is unconstitutional. The decision has been met with widespread criticism from opposition leaders, who claim the government is trying to silence them. The protests have resulted in over 70 deaths and thousands of arrests, with many more injured.

As the protests continue, investors are bracing themselves for the potential economic fallout. The country's main stock index has plummeted by 20% in the past month, with many analysts predicting a sharp decline in economic growth. The international community has also weighed in, with the United States and the European Union expressing concerns about the impact of the protests on Colombia's fragile economy. The government has vowed to continue its efforts to find a peaceful solution, but time is running out.

Economists point to the 2019 protests that sparked the current wave of unrest as a precursor to the current crisis. Those protests, led by students and workers, highlighted the country's deep-seated economic and social inequalities. Since then, there have been numerous strikes and protests across the country, with many demanding greater investment in public services and a more equitable distribution of wealth. The government's failure to address these issues has created a sense of frustration and disillusionment among many Colombians.

The international community is watching the situation closely, with many countries providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the protests. The United Nations has also called for a peaceful resolution, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging calm and restraint. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the protests in Colombia are not just about economics or politics, but about the very future of the country itself.