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These are the trending news headlines in Colombia on Wednesday March 1, 2023

Low-cost airline Viva Air has suspended its operations in Colombia and Peru, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in airports with little support. The airline, owned by the same group that owns Ryanair, grounded its flights after Colombian authorities delayed approving its requested merger with Avianca, Colombia’s main carrier. Viva claims it has given plenty of evidence of its dire financial situation and that it can continue only if it merges with the larger airline. Viva and Avianca last year requested a permit to merge, but the deal has faced obstacles from government regulators who fear it could restrict competition in the airline market. Dozens of angry passengers protested outside Viva’s counters at airports in Bogota and Medellin, where they briefly blocked access to the international departures terminal.

In Colombia, the Federation of Educators (FECODE) has announced protests and a list of demands for teachers on February 28th. The demands will be presented to the Ministry of Education, accompanied by mobilizations in various areas of the country from 10:00 am. The list of demands includes the defense of public education with adequate infrastructure, transportation, and connectivity, as well as the dignification of the teaching profession and reform of the General System of Participation. FECODE seeks to improve teaching standards in Colombia.

A former financial advisor for Vanguard has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, a popular DJ, in Bogota, Colombia. John Poulos was caught in Panama on his way to Turkey, and has been fired from Vanguard Advisors and stripped of his Certified Financial Planner designation. According to reports, Poulos flew to Colombia on Jan. 19, rented a place with Trespalacios, and was planning on marrying her. Her body was later discovered in a trash can near El Dorado International Airport in Bogota. Prosecutors claim Poulos strangled Trespalacios, beat her and dumped her body in the trash can. Poulos has been seen in court footage leaving the apartment with a large suitcase and later removing something from a car and placing it in the trash can.

For more trending news headlines in Colombia, simply search ‘Auscast Colombia News Headlines’ in your favourite podcast app. 

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