Petro calls popular consultation in Colombia on labor reform

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Thursday (12) that he will sign a decree calling for a popular consultation about his labor reform proposal after Congress has barred two attempts to enable the referendum through legislative means. “They cheated,” the president said in a speech to the nation, denouncing that the Senate vote in May was closed irregularly, before the full count of the votes.

The measure marks a new chapter in institutional intensification between Petro and the Legislative, dominated by conservative and liberal sectors. It is the first time since the 1991 Constitution that a popular consultation can be convened directly by the Executive, without the consent of Congress-which has generated intense legal and political controversy.

Consultation with 16 questions: Rights, Health and Retirement

Petro’s proposal intends to hear the Colombians about structural reforms in three central areas: work, health and social security. Among the most prominent points are:

• Reduction of working hours until 18h (currently runs until 21h);
• Inclusion of informal workers in the Social Security System;
• Creation of a special fund for retirement of rural workers;
• Valorization of salaries and combating the precariousness of young work.

In health, the government wants to limit private management of resources and strengthen public administration. In Social Security, a first renovation has already been approved in June and is under analysis of the Constitutional Court.

According to the Interior Minister, Armando Benedetti, the referendum may occur at the end of July or early August, if the court does not suspend the measure.

Debate Change Project

The opposition accuses the president of turning the consultation into a platform to anticipate the 2026 presidential race, of which Petro, by law, cannot participate. Still, in a rally with thousands of supporters in the city of Cali, the agent was cheered with shouts of “reelection”.

However, Petro reiterated: “I don’t like power, much less this aristocratic and cold palace. I just ask that the people reelect not a person but a country project.”

Despite the tone, the president tried to protect himself within the constitutional legality. “The 1991 Constitution proposed a social rule of law. This is what we want to accomplish,” he said.

Consultations in Colombia: unprecedented without Congress

The initiative by decree is considered unprecedented in the recent institutional history of Colombia. Since 1991, all popular consultations have been previously approved by the legislature. Experts and opponents warn of the risk of democratic erosion and judicialization of the process. Senators have already indicated that they will come with actions to block the consultation.

For the vote to have legal validity, at least one third of the Colombian electorate (13.6 million) must attend the polls.

Proposals vs. REALITY: What is at stake

Petro’s reforms were originally presented two years ago, but bumped into the legislature and party fragmentation. The only one to advance was the social security, which began to be valid in early June.

In summoning the consultation, Petro tries to transfer the institutional dispute to the Colombian people – and, consequently, to voters. It also paves the way for wide popular mobilizations and social movements.

Decree, constituent and external conspiracies

At the end of his speech, Petro also mentioned the possibility of summoning a Constituent Assembly if the reform is fought again.

The president also denounced coup plans, citing the name of US senator Marco Rubio as articulator and mentioning “a recording” in possession of the Attorney General. “They are talking to drug traffickers and external forces to knock me down,” he said.

The consultation proposed by Petro may become a plebiscite about his government and his legacy.

Betting on popular mobilization, Petro tests social mobilization and its political strength.