Thousands rallied in Colombia to support President Gustavo Petro’s health and labor reforms, which have stalled in Congress. Despite being the first leftist president, Petro faces challenges in delivering on his promises with limited time left in office. The mobilization reflects a pressing need for reform in labor conditions, highlighted by citizens’ calls for fair wages and work rights.
On Tuesday, thousands of supporters marched in Colombia to endorse President Gustavo Petro, demonstrating his political strength and promoting his stalled reforms in health and labor. This mass mobilization spanned key urban areas, including Bogota and Medellin, where participants blocked streets, waved flags, and expressed their support through chants.
President Petro, the first leftist leader in Colombia’s history, faces challenges in advancing his reformist agenda within Congress. As he approaches the end of his four-year term, Petro is under pressure to deliver on critical pledges to cement his political legacy. This urgency is heightened by the fact that he is ineligible to run for re-election in 2026, prompting him to seek populist backing for his initiatives.
During the march in Bogota’s Plaza de Bolivar, the president is anticipated to join his supporters, who carried banners stating messages of solidarity. Critics, including Petro himself, contend that significant business interests are obstructing the proposed reforms, which aim to ensure fair compensation for night, weekend, and holiday work.
Protestor Edgar Sanchez articulated the sentiment of the rally, expressing his desire for future generations to reclaim labor rights that he once enjoyed, such as reasonable work hours and additional pay for night shifts. Furthermore, President Petro has proposed a referendum to validate the reforms, although this initiative may also face hurdles in Congress.
The mass rallies in Colombia reflect a pivotal moment for President Gustavo Petro as he strives to mobilize public support for his health and labor reforms, which remain stalled in Congress. With his term winding down, the urgency to fulfill his promises becomes critical, especially since he cannot seek re-election. The citizens’ fervent advocacy in support of labor rights highlights the ongoing struggle against entrenched business interests that challenge his reform agenda.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
