Colombian President Proposes Referendum on Health and Labor Reforms
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a special election, allowing voters to decide on stalled labor and health reforms. He criticized the Senate for disregarding voter interests and mobilized support for the reforms. The proposed election requires Senate approval and significant voter participation to be effective.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced his intention to call for a special election to allow voters to decide on two significant stalled reforms: labor and health. In his televised address, Petro criticized the Colombian Senate for ignoring voter needs, accusing them of supporting the oligarchy over the populace.
With a group of pro-government politicians and activists, Petro encouraged mobilization in favor of these essential reforms. He asserted, “We have searched in our constitution for a path that will enable people to make decisions without intermediaries,” emphasizing that it is now time for the citizens to choose between freedom and servitude.
His announcement coincided with a rejection from eight senators regarding his health reform proposal in a crucial committee vote. Petro’s party does not hold a congressional majority, which has complicated the passage of legislation. During his 2022 campaign, he promised to reform the health system by replacing insurance companies with a government agency to manage social security funds.
Petro has condemned insurance companies for misappropriating funds, while his reform faces opposition over concerns about government capacity to manage healthcare effectively. Additionally, his labor reform, which aims to improve worker pay and restrict short-term contracts, has also encountered resistance in Congress.
The proposed special election, termed a “popular consultation,” requires Senate approval and mandates that voters answer yes or no to presented questions. For the results to be valid, at least one-third of registered voters must participate in the consultation.
In summary, President Gustavo Petro’s call for a popular consultation reflects a significant push towards labor and health reforms that have faced substantial opposition in the Colombian Senate. His appeal to the populace underscores a desire for direct voter engagement in reform decisions. However, achieving the necessary Senate support and voter turnout remains a critical challenge.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
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