Controversial Popular Consultation Ordered by Petro via Decree: "The Urgent Demand of Colombian Society"
A Clash of Will and Law: Petro's Labor Reform Battle
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stirred up a political storm with his recent decree, scheduled for August 7, calling for a popular consultation on labor reform. Petro firmly believes this move is a "necessity" for building a social state of law, despite facing intense criticism from political rivals and opponents.
Addressing a crowd at San Francisco Square in Cali, President Petro asserted, "The consultation is convenient, it's imperative, it's a categorical necessity of Colombian society today... this popular consultation is absolutely necessary." He explained that the 1991 Constitution had proposed a "social state of law" for Colombia, but political leaders and high court magistrates had failed to focus on this aspect so far.
Former President Iván Duque (2018-2022) expressed strong disapproval, stating on his X account, "Gustavo Petro has signed a decree that violates the independence of powers, overriding a sovereign decision of the Senate of the Republic." Duque emphasized that the Electoral Organization and the Council of State must disallow the illegitimate consultation.
Opposition voices, including former Liberal Minister Juan Fernando Cristo and CD representative Christian Garcés, have branded the decree as "unconstitutional" and a danger to democracy. Garcés went as far as to accuse Petro of acting like a "dictator" and threatened to sue the decree before the Council of State for its unconstitutionality.
In a surprising turn of events, Petro has used his platform to accuse a far-right Colombian leader, whose identity he opted not to reveal, of conspiring with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to stage a coup against his government. These accusations of a U.S.-backed coup plot have heightened political tensions.
The proposed labor reform, which includes an eight-hour workday, dignified wages, and pensions for all workers, has garnered international support from organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO). However, these reforms have faced resistance within Colombia.
In the midst of the political uproar, one thing remains clear: the Colombian political landscape is divided, with this popular consultation becoming a pivotal moment in President Petro's tenure. The public awaits August 7 with bated breath to see how events will unfold.
- Amidst the ongoing political and legislative debates, the labor reform protests led by President Gustavo Petro could potentially intersect with discussions about war and conflicts, given the fierce opposition and implications for future policy-making.
- The ongoing dispute over the constitutionality of Petro's labor reform decree has raised concerns in the general news media about the future direction of politics in Colombia, with the popular consultation scheduled for August 7 serving as a focal point for assessing the country's political climate and stability.
