# Political unrest and austerity measures in Colombia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-unrest-and-protest-regulation-in-colombia > Updated: 2026-10-15T22:29:52.000Z. Sources: 115. Developments: 8. Political tensions in Colombia have escalated following opposition criticism of President Abelardo de la Espriella’s fiscal policies and security record. Senator Iván Cepeda has warned that upcoming negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could lead to impoverishment through structural state changes and privatizations, while also raising concerns regarding human rights and police violence. In response to the climate of unrest, the government issued Decree 1525 on October 13, 2026, to regulate social protests. The decree modifies police protocols, allowing the National Police and the UNDMO to intervene directly against individuals committing violent acts without the prior requirement of exhausting all stages of dialogue. While the administration maintains the decree is intended to protect the population and ensure freedom of movement, opposition groups have filed a lawsuit against it at the Consejo de Estado. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that certain provisions could “weaken the principle of dialogue and allow for discretionary interpretations regarding the use of force.” On October 14, 2026, thousands participated in a massive nationwide strike organized by trade unions, teachers, students, and indigenous communities. In Bogotá, former President Gustavo Petro joined the march at Plaza de Bolívar. While the government reported that “98% of the demonstrations were peaceful,” the mobilizations caused significant mobility issues. Following the unrest, the administration has moved to implement austerity measures. President de la Espriella ordered a review of the National Protection Unit (UNP) to eliminate unjustified personal security schemes, stating the unit’s mission has been “distorted.” Additionally, new regulations from the Administrative Department of the Presidency (DAPRE) and the National Planning Department (DNP) now limit the filling of certain appointment positions to 60% of available roles and mandate stricter supervision of state contracting to ensure transparency. ## Claims - The government issued Decree 1525 of 2026 to regulate social protests. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The President announced that the government will guarantee the right to peaceful protest but will act against violent acts. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Police and the UNDMO can now intervene in protests without first exhausting dialogue and mediation stages if violence occurs. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Protesters are demanding improvements in labor conditions, education, and the defense of social rights. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Authorities are authorized to intervene when protesters use weapons, explosives, or engage in the destruction of infrastructure. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The government presented a bill to Congress to offer reduced sentences for members of illegal armed groups who submit to justice. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Critics argue Decree 1525 allows police to intervene and detain individuals without exhausting dialogue and mediation options. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A national day of mobilization is scheduled for next Wednesday. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Abelardo de la Espriella has been in power for two months. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Colombia President implements austerity and transparency reforms President Abelardo de la Espriella has introduced austerity measures to cut public spending, including a review of security schemes and new rules for state contracting and congressional investment transparency. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-implements-austerity-measures-to-reduce-public-spending ### 2026-10-15: Colombia President signs decree expanding police powers during protests Colombia's President signed a decree expanding police powers during protests to maintain order, a move criticized by the UN for potentially weakening dialogue and enabling discretionary use of force. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-issues-decree-1525-to-address-violent-protests ### 2026-10-13: Colombia protests erupt against President Abelardo de la Espriella Thousands in Colombia are protesting against President Abelardo de la Espriella's policies. The government has issued Decree 1525 to adjust police protocols, sparking legal challenges from the opposition. 100 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-implements-new-measures-to-regulate-protest-force ### 2026-10-12: Colombia: Protests planned against Abelardo de la Espriella administration Colombian unions and indigenous groups have called for a national protest next Wednesday against the Abelardo de la Espriella administration, citing education, labor, and territorial concerns. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-protests-planned-against-abelardo-de-la-espriella-administration ### 2026-10-09: Colombia to sign decree regulating social protests and blockades Colombia's government will sign a decree to regulate social protests, allowing immediate police intervention against violent acts and blockades while attempting to protect the right to peaceful demonstration. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-to-sign-decree-regulating-social-protests-and-blockades ### 2026-10-09: Colombia social organizations plan major protests against government Social organizations, educators, and indigenous groups in Colombia are mobilizing for a major protest on October 11 against the government of Abelardo de la Espriella. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-social-organizations-plan-major-protests-against-government ### 2026-10-01: Colombia proposes new decree to regulate social protests Colombia's Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara is promoting a new decree to regulate social protests, allowing police to intervene in violent demonstrations without prior dialogue to protect public order. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-proposes-new-decree-to-regulate-social-protests ### 2026-09-29: Iván Cepeda calls for social mobilization in Colombia Colombian Senator Iván Cepeda has called for peaceful protests against President Abelardo de la Espriella’s planned IMF negotiations and criticized the government's handling of security and human rights. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ivn-cepeda-calls-for-social-mobilization-in-colombia --- Cite as: Political unrest and austerity measures in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-unrest-and-protest-regulation-in-colombia