Opposition groups in Colombia launched protests on Wednesday in major cities, including the capital Bogota, Al Jazeera reported. The protests, led by former President Gustavo Petro, are against the current government of President Abelardo de la Espriella's economic austerity measures (cuts to government programs) and its diplomatic shift towards Israel. The de la Espriella government opened the Colombian embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, a move seen as a departure from former President Petro's pro-Palestinian stance. The Colombian Congress must approve the fiscal year 2027 budget, which includes proposals for cuts in government spending, by next Tuesday.