President Gustavo Petro of Colombia is calling for a special election to allow voters to decide on stalled labor and health reforms. He criticizes the Senate for dismissing public opinion and emphasizes the need for direct democracy. The proposed reform focuses on transforming the health system and improving labor conditions, but it faces significant legislative hurdles.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced his intention to hold a special election, allowing citizens to approve or reject stalled labor and health reform initiatives. During a televised address, he criticized the Colombian Senate for disregarding public opinion and favoring the elite. Petro urged his supporters to rally in favor of these reforms, emphasizing the need for direct decision-making by the populace.
Petro’s announcement followed a statement by eight senators indicating their rejection of the health reform during a critical committee vote. The President has faced significant challenges in securing legislative approval due to the lack of a majority within Congress.
During his 2022 campaign, Petro promised to reform the health system by abolishing the role of insurance companies and establishing a government agency to manage Obligatory Social Security payments. He has accused these companies of mismanaging funds, while opponents argue that the proposed reforms would grant excessive authority to bureaucrats.
In addition to health reforms, Petro’s labor reform proposals aim to increase wages for nocturnal workers and restrict the use of short-term contracts by companies. The planned special election, referred to as a “popular consultation,” requires approval from a majority of the Senate. For the election to be valid, at least one-third of registered voters must participate, and the questions posed must offer yes/no answers.
In summary, President Gustavo Petro seeks to enable Colombian citizens to vote directly on vital labor and health reforms that have faced legislative challenges. His call for a ‘popular consultation’ reflects ongoing tensions with Congress and the desires of his administration to address systemic issues in Colombia’s labor and health sectors. The future of these reforms now hinges on the approval of the Senate and the participation of registered voters.
Original Source: apnews.com
