Colombian President Petro Proposes Referendum on Health and Labor Reforms

Colombian President Gustavo Petro proposes a referendum on stalled labor and health reforms to enable direct public decision-making. Criticizing the senate for opposing his efforts, Petro aims to mobilize support for reforms he believes are essential for the nation.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Tuesday his intention to hold a special election, allowing citizens to vote on stalled labor and health reforms. In a televised address, he criticized the senate for dismissing his reform efforts and claimed they were siding with the elite instead of the populace. Petro urged supporters to mobilize in favor of these reforms, emphasizing the need for direct decision-making by the people.

In his speech, Petro remarked, “We have searched in our constitution for a path that will enable people to make decisions without intermediaries. Now the people must decide if they want to be slaves, or if they want to be free and respectable.” His call for a popular consultation came after eight senators announced their rejection of the proposed health reform in a vital committee.

Historically, President Petro has faced challenges in passing legislation in Congress, where his party does not hold a majority. During his 2022 campaign, he vowed to reform Colombia’s health system by dissolving insurance companies and instituting a government agency for managing obligatory social security payments. However, legislators have repeatedly denied his proposals, citing concerns over bureaucratic management capabilities.

Additionally, Petro’s labor reform aims to enhance wages for night workers and restrict the use of short-term contracts by employers. The proposed special election, termed a “popular consultation,” requires approval from a majority of the senate and mandates participation from at least one-third of registered voters for the results to be valid.

In summary, President Gustavo Petro’s call for a referendum on stalled labor and health reforms reflects his frustration with Congress and a desire for direct public involvement in governance. While he has faced significant legislative challenges, his determination to engage citizens directly through a popular consultation emphasizes his commitment to reforming Colombia’s socio-economic landscape.

Original Source: www.newsday.com