Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a special election to let voters decide on stalled health and labor reforms. He criticized the senate for delaying these proposals and emphasized direct citizen participation in decision-making. The special election will require senate approval and aims to ensure reforms reflect the will of the people amid ongoing congress challenges.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans for a special election aimed at allowing voters to decide on stalled health and labor reforms. In a televised address, he criticized the senate for dismissing his reform proposals, suggesting they reflect the interests of an elite minority rather than the populace. Petro emphasized the need for direct decision-making by citizens, stating, “Now the people must decide if they want to be slaves, or if they want to be free and respectable.”
This announcement followed an indication from eight senators that they would reject the health reform during an important committee vote. Petro has faced challenges in passing legislation, as his party does not control the majority in congress. His campaign promises included overhauling the health system by eliminating certain insurance roles and establishing a government agency to manage social security funds.
Petro accused private insurance companies of mishandling funds, but the proposed reforms were repeatedly blocked by legislators concerned about the potential overreach of government control and the administrative capacity to handle the health system effectively. Additionally, the President is advocating for labor reforms, such as increased wages for night workers and stricter regulations on temporary contracts.
The proposed special election, or “popular consultation,” requires approval from a majority of the senate. This process involves presenting binary questions to voters, with a minimum turnout of one-third of registered voters necessary for results to take effect.
President Gustavo Petro’s proposed special election seeks to empower Colombian citizens to directly participate in deciding critical health and labor reforms that have faced legislative obstacles. His criticisms of the senate’s inaction highlight ongoing tensions between his administration and congressional opposition. With the reforms being pivotal to his administration’s agenda, the forthcoming consultation process will determine if these changes can be implemented based on public will.
Original Source: apnews.com
