In Bogota on March 18, a Colombian Senate committee rejected a labor reform proposed by President Gustavo Petro. This latest setback reflects challenges faced by the leftist leader in passing promised economic and social legislation. Petro, a former legislator and mayor of Bogota who took office in 2022, considers reducing inequality and poverty a key goal supported by voters.
The bill aimed to enhance worker conditions and protections but was defeated by 8 out of 14 committee members. This marks the second rejection of the reform, initially turned down in 2023, prompting a fresh submission by the government. Business associations opposed the reform, citing concerns over increased labor costs.
On the day of the committee vote, citizens nationwide rallied in support of Petro's reform agenda. Facing resistance in Congress, Petro announced plans for referendums on both labor reform and a stalled healthcare overhaul, urging public mobilization against perceived governmental tyranny.
"The people must rebel with the greatest possible force. We do not accept tyrannies," Petro declared to a gathering before the committee's decision. In a separate development, Petro managed to enact a pension system reform in mid-2024, now subject to potential challenge in the Constitutional Court.