Colombian Government to Submit Labor Reform Referendum April 21 as Labor Minister Sanguino Leads Effort Amid 53.7% Public Support

The Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro is advancing a popular referendum following the failure of its labor reform in Congress. The government plans to submit the questions for this consultation to the Senate on April 21, as announced by Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino. This referendum aims to protect vulnerable workers' employment and revitalize labor reform efforts. Public support for the consultation stands at 53.7%, according to recent polls. Meanwhile, discussions continue around challenges in the energy sector, with prominent political figures including former President Álvaro Uribe, Senator Paola Holguín, and Senator María Fernanda Cabal engaging in dialogues on the matter. Additionally, the administration's territorial peace policy has been highlighted by Monseñor Henao. President Petro has called for popular mobilization to confront what he terms a "regime of state corruption" obstructing transparency. The government is also responding to health concerns, such as yellow fever outbreaks, with local officials taking action. Petro is reportedly considering measures to stabilize his cabinet amid ongoing political pressures.