In a recent proposal by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, he has suggested that the popular “¡A la Carga!” by Francisco ‘Pacho’ Galán, is adopted as the “anthem of Colombian progressivism”.
The musical piece was originally created for the political campaign of the candidate for the presidency of the republic Jorge Eliécer Gaitán in 1948, it enjoyed great popularity and reception among followers of Gaitán.
Petro’s idea was revealed in response to a tweet from Senator Piedad Córdoba, in which she recalled the 75th anniversary of Gaitán’s assassination. Petro wrote: «I propose this hymn as a hymn of Colombian progressivism, shall we adapt it and adopt it?».
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The “Charge!” is a lively and energetic piece of music that encourages Colombians to unite in the fight for a better country. Petro’s proposal has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users supporting the idea and others questioning it.
Hours earlier, Petro, in commemoration of the National Day of Remembrance and Solidarity with the Victims, which is commemorated on April 9 – the day the liberal leader was assassinated -, the President said that “undoubtedly Gaitán is a figure who stimulates, which allows us to think regarding the current government”.
Petro also added that “undoubtedly it continues to be then the spirit that throws the population onto the streets. I think he was absolutely right in the sense that reforms might not be built, social justice might not be built, a modern democracy might not be built without a people in the streets, without a mobilized people.”
