Protests Erupt in Colombia Over Proposed Tax Reform Amid Pandemic

Thousands of protesters in Colombia gathered on the streets and demonstrated against a proposed tax reform that was announced on Wednesday.

The proposed measure of the Colombian government is intended to raise some $6.3 billion in 10 years for the country, AFP reported. The country saw a 6.8 percent drop in the gross domestic product (GDP) last year. It was reportedly the worst performance in half a century.

Colombians were not happy about the government's plan and decided to gather and protest against the proposed tax reform. Several cities have reported disturbances and acts of vandalism during the day of the strike, according to Andalou Agency.

Colombians Protested Over Tax Reform

A large number of people gathered and marched in Colombia as they argued that the tax reform would make them poorer.

The protesters further noted that the said reform is an "unwanted attack" on the middle class during the dire economic straits. The gathering of the protesters comes as the country battles their deadliest phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

In Bogota, which is Colombia's capital, thousands marched on the central square even though courts had banned demonstrations the day before the national strike happened. Students, indigenous groups, and even unions have still decided to take part in the protest. Some protesters even clashed with the police.

"We do not accept the tax reform," said protester Victor Cordoba told AFP. The 33-year-old demonstrator further noted that they are engaging in protest because they think of their children and themselves. "Either we die of the virus, or we die of hunger," said Cordoba.

Meanwhile, people from the Misak indigenous group knocked down a statue of the Spanish conqueror Sebastian de Belalcazar. The incident happened in the city of Cali during the first hours of the national strike.

"We are tired of abuse the population must endure," said Felipe Zapata, a protester in Bogota. Zapata further noted that Colombians are also tired of their president doing nothing.

Protests also occurred in the city of Barranquilla and Medellin. Colombia's rights ombudsman has denounced the mass protests due to its high health risk.

In Colombia, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 12,839 new COVID positive cases in the last 24 hours with 448 new deaths. According to WHO, the country has already administered about 3,165,023 vaccine doses as of April 22.

Colombia's Tax Reform

Under President Ivan Duque, the government wants to tax the incomes of those earning over $656 a month, lowering the threshold to broaden the tax base. It also wants to impose a tax on funerals and essential services in upper-middle-class areas.

Meanwhile, the Colombian government has already lowered the amount of money it hopes to raise from the proposed tax reform to win enough support from Congress, Reuters reported.

The proposed reform has also met resistance in Congress, including those from the coalition of parties that support Duque's government.

"We're looking for consensus, we're looking for ways everyone can do a little more to cover the gap," said Vice Finance Minister Juan Alberto Londono.

Londono added that this is being done to "have peace of mind" that Colombia can pay its debt without the vulnerable population suffering.

Opponents of the proposed tax reform noted that the changes would burden the taxpayers that are already stretched by the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.

WATCH: Colombian Police Fire Tear Gas at Protesters - From VOA News