In Bogota, Colombia, President Gustavo Petro has made a strong appeal to his supporters, urging them to “rebel” against centrist and right-wing politicians who have obstructed the progression of pivotal reforms targeting the country’s health system and labor regulations. The call for action comes as Colombia gears up for significant congressional and presidential elections slated for next year.
At a protest orchestrated by labor unions, Petro made a compelling half-hour speech, announcing his government’s intent to advance plans for a special election. This proposed plebiscite would allow citizens to cast their votes on health and labor laws that remain stagnant in Congress due to political discord.
“The sacrifices made by the populace cannot lead to governance by monarchs and tyrants,” Petro said, referencing congressional members opposed to his reforms. His criticism highlights an alleged exploitation by those “who have sold their hearts to greed.”
Since assuming office as Colombia’s first leftist leader, Petro has faced challenges in advancing legislation through the Senate, given that his Historical Pact movement holds a minority with only a fifth of the seats.
In support of the movement, national government employees were granted a day off to join the demonstrations favoring the proposed special election. Government entities actively promoted these protests through diverse platforms, including social media and television ads.
The protests, drawing thousands to Bogota’s historic Bolivar Square, were marked by Petro’s impassioned rhetoric. He called upon voters to “punish” congressional members whom he accused of enacting laws benefiting corporations, swayed by “corruption and greed.”
This proposed special election, formally recognized as a popular consultation under Colombian law, requires approval from the Senate. For its outcomes to take effect, it demands participation from one-third of registered voters, amounting to an estimated 13 million people.
Political analysts highlight the challenges Petro’s administration faces in mobilizing sufficient voter turnout. Petro, who won the presidency in 2022 with 11.2 million votes, may find energizing his base crucial ahead of the upcoming congressional elections in March. This special election presents an opportunity for the government to campaign on its reform agenda, leveraging public funds.
“The government seeks to deflect responsibility for not achieving consensus in Congress,” explained Sergio Guzman, a political analyst based in Bogota. “It is leveraging these reforms to justify extending its governance.”
During his campaign, Petro vowed to overhaul Colombia’s health system by removing insurance companies from managing obligatory social security payments and shifting that role to a governmental agency. His accusations of mismanagement by insurance firms include mishandling millions of dollars. However, lawmakers have repeatedly rejected his health reforms, citing concerns over potential bureaucratic overreach and doubts about the government’s capacity to manage healthcare for millions.
Petro’s labor reform proposals include boosting pay for night workers and making it more challenging for companies to employ staff on short-term contracts. However, a crucial committee vote sidelined the labor reform on Tuesday. Critics argue the changes could drive unemployment due to rising business costs.
With a significant segment, over 55%, of Colombians working informally without labor contracts, critics claim Petro’s proposed legislation offers little incentive for companies to formalize employment for these workers.