Colombia’s Liberal Party has chosen to withhold its support for the contentious health reform proposed by President Gustavo Petro, which could seriously undermine the advancement of this policy.
The party convened on Tuesday to establish its approach ahead of the closure of the current legislative period on June 20.
The primary decision made during the meeting was to postpone the party’s stance on the matter until the next legislative term. The decision to delay was supported by 23 representatives, with 14 opposing.
President Petro’s proposed health reform has faced extensive criticism within Colombian society in recent weeks.
The leftist president’s plan has been criticized for its evident intention to increase state intervention at the expense of private healthcare providers.
The Liberal Party’s stance is crucial for the Petro government to make progress with other proposed reforms in the legislature, given its significant number of representatives and senators.
Given the decision made on Tuesday, the future looks challenging for the Colombian president.