Colombia's Council of State suspends Petro's labor reform referendum
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro speaks during the rally for peace and democracy at San Francisco Square in Cali, Colombia June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Sebastian Marmolejo/File Photo
BOGOTA - Colombia's Council of State on Wednesday suspended a decree by President Gustavo Petro that sought to call a referendum on a labor reform, citing lack of Senate authorization.
The decree, which Petro issued last week, sparked criticism from political opposition, which labeled it a coup d'etat and an overt challenge to the nation's institutions and congress, which must authorize such measures.
Colombia's Council of State is a high court that settles disputes between the state and private parties.
On Tuesday, the Senate approved a revised version of the labor reform bill after extensive debate. The bill, which passed with 57 votes in favor and 31 against, includes provisions for an eight-hour daytime workday, higher weekend and holiday pay, and mandatory social security contributions from delivery app drivers. REUTERS
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