Colombia’s Petro Proposes Referendum on Constitutional Assembly in 2026 Elections
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced a plan for a referendum on a National Constituent Assembly during the March 2026 elections. This proposal follows recent labor reform approval, and while it aims to deepen democracy, critics warn it may jeopardize stability. The labor reform focuses on significant changes to employment protections, especially for gig workers, amid concerns regarding the necessity of rewriting the Constitution.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro revealed on Friday a proposal to include a referendum for a National Constituent Assembly in the upcoming legislative elections slated for March 2026. He expressed that the populace has awakened to the political dynamics, stating, “The people have awakened. They’ve seen clearly who stands with them, who slaps them down, who silences them.” Petro stressed the importance of this referendum for amplifying democratic engagement, indicating that it would serve as a channel to express public sentiment directly at the polls.
This announcement came soon after Congress approved Petro’s contentious labor reform, which has stirred considerable debate. In his communication, Petro indicated that he would withdraw an earlier decree that called for public consultation on labor reform, choosing instead to advocate for the constitutional vote. He hopes that many Colombians will participate in the election, empowering the future government and Congress with a mandate to fortify social justice and democracy in the nation.
Petro articulated ambitions for a revised Constitution, emphasizing a shift from the current focus on a mere “rule of law” to a more comprehensive “social rule of law.” Discussions surrounding the need for a new Constitution have gained traction among Petro’s supporters, although many legal experts and opposition figures contest this necessity, asserting that existing laws already ensure citizen rights.
Moreover, while the specifics of the referendum are yet to be outlined, the current plan entails presenting a ballot that queries voters on their support for convening a Constituent Assembly. For the measure to be enacted, voter turnout must reach at least one-third of Colombia’s 40.9 million registered voters, which translates to approximately 13.6 million participants.
The proposal for constitutional reform follows the recently approved sweeping labor reform that implements over 70 changes to employment laws. This reform modifies various aspects including contract types, night and holiday remuneration, regulations for gig workers, and coverage for vocational students. A notable adjustment is the extension of the night shift premium, which will commence at 7:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 p.m., as well as a significant increase in holiday pay.
The new legislation also introduces new protections for gig economy participants and formalizes relationships for apprenticeships, tying their wages to the minimum salary. To counteract pervasive informal employment, a new initiative titled “Crea Empleo” aims to provide payroll subsidies to incentivize businesses to employ youth, women, and older workers.
Petro hails these labor reforms, portraying them as victories for the working-class citizens of Colombia. However, critics remain cautious, warning that the movements toward a new Constitution risk undermining the stability of the country’s established institutions. As one legal analyst at Universidad de los Andes noted, “The Constitution of 1991 still works. Rewriting it is not a legal shortcut; it’s a political gamble.”
President Gustavo Petro’s proposal to introduce a referendum for a National Constituent Assembly in the 2026 elections is a significant step in Colombia’s political landscape. While supporters see this as an opportunity to enhance democracy, critics caution that revising the Constitution could destabilize existing frameworks. The recent labor reform measures reflect Petro’s agenda for social justice, yet they also ignite contention over the necessity and implications of fundamental changes to the Constitution. The discussions surrounding these reforms set a complex stage for Colombia’s political future.
Original Source: efe.com
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