Colombian President Gustavo Petro plans a special election for voters to decide on stalled health and labor reforms. He criticized the Senate for opposing reforms intended to benefit the public. The vote, termed a “popular consultation,” requires Senate approval and significant voter turnout to be implemented.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Tuesday his intention to call for a special election allowing voters to approve or reject stalled labor and health reforms. In a televised address, Petro asserted that the Senate has disrespected public opinion and favored the interests of the elite, impeding necessary reforms in these crucial sectors. He urged his supporters to advocate for these changes and emphasized the need for direct public decision-making without intermediaries.
This announcement followed a statement from eight senators indicating they would oppose the health reform in an important committee vote. President Petro has faced challenges in advancing legislation in Congress due to the lack of majority support for his party. During his 2022 campaign, he pledged to radically change Colombia’s health system by replacing insurance companies with a government entity to manage social security funds, citing mismanagement of funds by the insurers. However, legislators argue the proposed reforms would concentrate excessive power in government hands and raise concerns regarding administrative capabilities.
In addition to health reform, Petro has also encountered difficulties in passing labor reform legislation aimed at increasing wages for night workers and restricting companies from utilizing short-term contracts. The proposed special election, termed a “popular consultation” in Colombian law, must receive Senate approval before proceeding. Voter participation is crucial; at least one-third of registered voters must engage for the outcomes to be valid and actionable.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced plans for a popular consultation to address stalled labor and health reforms, highlighting the challenges he faces in Congress. His proposals aim to empower the public in decision-making, reflecting his commitment to health system reform and labor rights. However, significant legislative hurdles remain, necessitating majority support in the Senate and active voter participation to enact changes.
Original Source: apnews.com
