June 8, 2001 Colombians Protest Bill on Cuts in Services By REUTERS
BOGOTÁ, Colombia, June 7 (Reuters) - Thousands of teachers, doctors and union activists demonstrated across the country today, blocking roads and clashing with the police to protest a bill backed by the International Monetary Fund that could slash funds for health and education.
The protests, which have been building since teachers and doctors went on strike on May 15, intensified after a congressional panel gave a green light on Wednesday night to the controversial law, opening it to a final vote on the floor.
Finance Minister Juan Manuel Santos has threatened to resign if Congress does not approve the bill before lawmakers head into recess on June 20.
The law would amend the Constitution to cap the level of federal transfers to states, freeing up funds to trim Colombia's budget deficit and pay off foreign debt.
But teachers and unions for health workers say the law would inevitably lead to cutbacks for schools and hospitals because it leaves spending priorities up to the states.
A Finance Ministry spokesman said a date for the final vote on the bill had not been set, but could take place late next week.