Colombia's Petro calls referendum for stalled health, labor reforms
ReutersMAR 11
Colombia's Petro Calls for Referendum on Stalled Reforms
Above: Colombia's Pres. Gustavo Petro delivers a speech in front of the country's new minister of defense during a troop recognition ceremony at the José Maria Cordova Military Cadet School in Bogotá on March 11, 2025. Image copyright: Raul Arboleda/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Senators have betrayed the people of Colombia — not once but twice — so it's only natural that the country's president wants to call for a public consultation. Given that sovereignty resides exclusively in the people, it's about time for citizens to have their say.
Right narrative
If ever approved, Petro's proposed reforms would raise costs and hurt the people of Colombia, despite the president's claims to the contrary. For now, Columbians can remain confident that the Senate will not allow these nonsensical public consultations to continue.