Yesterday's violent demonstrations in Colombia are a continuation of the most turbulent weeks in South America for many years, Tigran Feiler believes. He describes what is happening right now as a massive wave of protests spreading across the continent.

- Many governments are sitting loose right now. It has become a snowball effect in which citizens are inspired by demonstrations in neighboring countries and thus the protests are spread. Social media plays a key role in that process, he says, and continues:

- The fact that the protest movement is diverse and lacks clear leadership also makes it difficult for governments to find a clear negotiating partner.

"The world's most unequal continent"

Do the protests have anything in common or is it a coincidence that everything is happening now?

- This is a gigantic region where each country carries a unique history so one must beware of generalizing. But you can see some common features. Latin America is the world's most unequal continent with huge gaps between rich and poor. Public welfare is largely non-existent, says Tigran Feiler and continues:

- The middle class has certainly grown, but there is a frustration that the cost of living is high and that the promise of a safe life has not become a reality. Then there is widespread anger among those who are still living in poverty. In addition, distrust of a political system is seen as corrupt and ineffective.

The protests take place in countries with both right and left governments.

- Students play a key role in the protest, and this is about a young, connected and well-educated generation that places tough demands on its power holders and wants to see more equal societies with greater social mobility and opportunities to realize their dreams.

Can spread

At the same time, there is a risk that the violence will spill over to other countries in the region.

- In those countries that have not yet reached the wave of protests, unrest is growing among those in power. Brazil is an example. There, the government is afraid that President Bolsonaro's cuts in the education sector, among other things, will result in protests.