Bogotá:Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has signed a security decree that allows authorities to block street barricades and prohibit road closures as a preemptive measure against anticipated nationwide protests set for Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the decree was announced in response to planned demonstrations organized by major labor unions, such as the teachers' federation Fecode and the Central Union of Workers, as well as left-wing groups, with rallies expected in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla.

Espriella emphasized in a video statement that while the right to protest is upheld in Colombia, it does not extend to acts of destruction, road blockages, or attacks on security forces. He described the decree as providing the government with the necessary tools to protect citizens and tackle what he termed "vandalism and urban terrorism disguised as protest."

The decree also includes the establishment of unified command posts to ensure coordinated efforts among police, military, and municipal authorities. These measures aim to monitor and manage disruptive acts, ensuring that demonstrators do not impede cargo transport or block emergency vehicles.

Former President Gustavo Petro has announced his intention to participate in the protests, joining marchers in the capital from Parque Nacional to Plaza de Bolivar, where they will voice demands related to education, healthcare, labor protections, and living costs.