On March 19, 2025, President Gustavo Petro led a march in Colombia, gathering thousands to advocate for health and labor reforms. As the first leftist president, he faces challenges in Congress, and with little time left in his term, he aims to leave a meaningful legacy. Amidst rising disapproval ratings and a cabinet crisis, Petro seeks popular support for reform initiatives.
On March 19, 2025, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia rallied thousands of supporters across major cities, including Bogotá and Medellín, in a significant political demonstration aimed at urging Congress to approve stalled health and labor reforms. The turnout was substantial, with individuals blocking streets and exhibiting banners to show their solidarity for the president’s initiatives.
President Petro, the first leftist leader in Colombia’s history, has faced challenges in advancing his reform agenda through Congress. With a little over a year remaining in his presidential term, he is eager to fulfill key promises that will shape his political legacy. Although he cannot run in the next elections, Petro seeks to generate support for an as-yet unnamed successor.
The President has attributed the stagnation of reforms to influential business interests that oppose measures intended to enhance worker rights, such as additional pay for night, weekend, and holiday work. During the protest in Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar, he expressed frustration with a “corrupt oligarchy” that has betrayed the Colombian populace due to greed.
Petro emphasized the need for a referendum on these reforms, despite skepticism about its approval from Congress. Supporters like Edgar Sanchez, a pensioner, articulated their concerns about returning to equitable labor practices, while Maritza Rodríguez, a teacher, highlighted the necessity for improved worker conditions to stimulate happiness and economic recovery.
According to recent polling data from Invamer, President Petro’s approval rating is at 32 percent, while discontent has escalated to 63 percent, influenced by perceptions of his handling of narcotrafficking, guerilla violence, and corruption. Additionally, he is currently dealing with a cabinet crisis, having accepted resignations from several high-ranking officials, including Finance Minister Diego Guevara.
In summary, President Gustavo Petro’s recent rally demonstrates his commitment to advancing stalled reforms despite facing significant obstacles. Support from thousands reflects both public support for his goals and the ongoing dialogue regarding worker rights in Colombia. With his term nearing its end, Petro aims to solidify his legacy while addressing escalating political disapproval and internal challenges within his administration.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
