Petro Bypasses Congress, Takes Colombia’s Social Reforms Directly to Voters

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Tuesday a nationwide referendum on his stalled health and labor reforms. The dramatic move follows repeated congressional roadblocks to his progressive agenda and declining public support for his administration.

“Let the people choose,” declared Petro during his televised address. The president accused senators of “mocking” voters and siding with the country’s “oligarchy” by rejecting his reform initiatives.

Petro’s announcement came hours after eight senators revealed plans to block his labor reform in committee. This reform would restore extra pay for Sunday and holiday work, improve overtime compensation, and regulate digital platform employment.

The health reform seeks to diminish insurance companies’ power and expand healthcare access. Both proposals represent cornerstone promises from Petro’s 2022 campaign when he became Colombia‘s first leftist president.

Petro faces significant legislative challenges since his party lacks a congressional majority. His pension reform stands as his sole legislative victory but now faces potential annulment by Colombia’s Constitutional Court over procedural concerns.

For referendum results to become binding, at least 13.6 million Colombians must participate. This threshold exceeds the 11.2 million votes Petro received in the 2022 presidential election.

Colombia’s Labor Reform Controversy

Opposition lawmakers criticize the consultation as an attempt to bypass proper legislative processes. Critics argue the labor reform would increase hiring costs and potentially eliminate 500,000 jobs according to central bank estimates.

Public sentiment has increasingly turned against Petro‘s administration. Last April, approximately 250,000 Colombians protested his economic and social reforms across major cities, chanting “Petro out!”

The president’s approval ratings hover around 33% as he approaches the halfway mark of his four-year term. Meanwhile, his government implemented austerity measures for 2025, including cuts to social programs.

Petro defends his reforms as essential for achieving peace through social justice. “Colombia needs these changes,” he stated while surrounded by supporters holding signs reading “#YesToSocialReforms.”

The Senate must now decide within one month whether to approve the popular consultation. If approved, the referendum would need to occur within three months, potentially reshaping Colombia’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 presidential election.