Colombian President Proposes Referendum on Health and Labor Reforms

Colombian President Gustavo Petro plans a special election to solicit voter approval for stalled labor and health reforms, criticizing the senate for obstructing his proposals. His reforms aim to enhance health administration and labor conditions, but face significant legislative challenges.

In a significant move, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans for a special election to enable voters to approve or reject stalled labor and health reforms. During a nationally televised speech, he criticized the senate for siding with the wealthy elite and failing to support essential changes in these sectors.

Petro described the actions of the senate as disrespectful to voters, declaring that the time has come for the citizens to make their own decisions. He stated, “We have searched in our constitution for a path that will enable people to make decisions without intermediaries,” urging his supporters to advocate for his proposed reforms.

The president’s announcement followed a statement from eight senators rejecting his health reform during a critical committee vote. Petro, facing hurdles in congress due to his party’s lack of a majority, has repeatedly encountered challenges in passing legislation.

Promised during his 2022 campaign, Petro’s health reform seeks to replace private insurance companies with a government agency to manage social security-related funds. He has criticized these companies for mismanagement and has encountered resistance from legislators concerned about over-centralization of health administration.

In addition to health reforms, Petro’s proposals include enhancing pay for night workers and restricting short-term employment contracts. The anticipated special election, termed a “popular consultation,” requires a senate majority for approval and mandates that a minimum of one-third of registered voters participate for the results to have significance.

President Gustavo Petro is actively seeking to engage Colombian voters in critical labor and health reforms that have faced legislative stagnation. By introducing a popular consultation, he aims to bypass congressional hurdles and empower citizens to decide on vital policy matters. However, the success of this initiative depends on legislative approval and voter participation, which remain to be seen.

Original Source: apnews.com