Overview
- The nationwide protests, which took place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, brought together unions, students, indigenous groups and opposition figures to defend the 'salario mínimo vital' and denounce rising food costs.
- Decreto 1525/2026 changes police protocol by allowing intervention before dialogue is exhausted, a move the government says will stop blockades and vandalism and protect nonprotesters.
- Congresswoman Jennifer Pedraza filed an annulment challenge at the Consejo de Estado arguing the decree is regressive and unconstitutional, opening a legal test of the new rules.
- The administration is preparing an 'estatuto antiterrorista' that would create lists of groups, allow asset freezes and criminalize drone attacks, and officials say the law targets illegal armed groups not political opposition.
- Critics point to risks of excessive force and weakened rights, indigenous leaders add separate territorial grievances over regulation of indigenous guards, and opposition figures have warned of a possible general strike in November if policies continue.