Colombian President Petro Rallies Thousands to Push Reform Agenda

Facing congressional resistance, Petro proposes a referendum and mobilizes public support for health and labor reforms.

• Thousands of supporters marched in major cities like Bogota and Medellin to back President Gustavo Petro's stalled health and labor reforms.
• The proposed reforms aim to restore worker rights, including eight-hour workdays, night pay, and restrictions on outsourcing.
• Petro has accused powerful business interests of obstructing the reforms and criticized Congress for its resistance.
• The president proposed a referendum to bypass legislative gridlock, though analysts doubt Congress will approve it or that it will achieve sufficient voter turnout.
• With just over a year left in his term, Petro is intensifying efforts to fulfill campaign promises and strengthen his political movement ahead of the 2026 elections.

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