Colombia’s president bypasses lawmakers and issues decree to let voters decide on labor reform
Associated Press1 day
Colombia's Petro Denounces Alleged 'US-Backed' Coup Plot
Above: Colombia's President Gustavo Petro speaks during a rally in Cali on June 11, 2025. Image copyright: Edwin Rodriguez Pipicano/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
In a memorable speech, Petro exposed that far-right factions in Colombia are colluding with the U.S. and drug trafficking networks to plot a coup, explained in a clear manner how social inequality, violence, and political instability are intertwined, and defended the referendum on labor rights. Colombia faces several challenges now, and his leadership may be proven key to keeping the country on track.
Pro-establishment narrative
Petro used his speech to promote conspiracy theories about an alleged U.S.-backed far-right coup in Colombia only to try to distract the nation that he is the one testing the limits of democracy and the rule of law in the country. After all, it's Petro who is willing to bypass Congress in the name of a rhetorical sovereignty of the people that actually consolidates his authoritarian overreach.