The Colombian president seeks reforms blocked by Congress.
On Thursday, President Gustavo Petro called on Colombians to take part in demonstrations to protest rising interest rates and demand the convening of a Constituent Assembly to carry out reforms that Congress did not approve.
“This May 1, we will meet in the streets. I invite you to mobilize in all public squares across Colombia’s municipalities,” he said on his X account about Labor Day, which he will lead for the last time as president since elections to choose his successor will be held May 31.
Over the last months, interest rate increases have put the Colombian president at odds with the Bank of the Republic. Petro accused monetary authorities of raising rates to 11.25%, “as they have stupidly done,” not to control inflation but “to see if they can win the elections.”
The other objective of the demonstrations is to “proclaim the constituent power of the people and collect signatures” to convene a Constituent Assembly, which he hopes to present to Congress on July 20, the day the new legislative session begins.
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According to Petro, the Constituent Assembly will not change the 1991 Constitution but will add to and clarify provisions that have been blocked by conservative forces “that do not want the rule of law in Colombia.”
Through the Constituent Assembly, Petro aims to carry out reforms to the health system, pensions, the justice system, public services and the political system. The leftist leader also aims to establish the right of farmers to land and the right to preschool and higher education.
“Economic institutions will be reformed to guarantee the true independence of the Bank of the Republic, which will coordinate anti-inflation policy in coherence with economic growth and employment,” the Colombian president said.
Petro also hopes that a Constituent Assembly will guarantee an adjustable minimum wage and a reduction in the workday in line with productivity increases. “Work must have stability by constitutional order,” he said.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
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