Colombians cautiously optimistic ahead of leftist Petro's inauguration

FILE PHOTO: Colombia's President-elect Gustavo Petro and U.S. Deputy National Security advisor Jonathan Finer (not pictured) address the media after a meeting, in Bogota, Colombia July 22, 2022. REUTERS/Nathalia Angarita

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombians are expressing cautious optimism about the government of incoming leftist President Gustavo Petro, days before he takes office on promises to reshape the polarized country with a raft of reforms and social programs.

Petro, a former member of the M-19 guerrillas and erstwhile senator, will on Sunday become the first leftist to govern Colombia, which has historically elected centrist and right-wing leaders.