Petro’s Ambitious Policy Overhaul: Aiming for Health, Labor Reforms

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia plans to introduce legislative changes to the health and labor sectors, pressing forward despite a split coalition and declining popularity. His proposals include a centralized health insurance agency, stricter labor contract regulations, and a shorter work week. Petro also advocates for measures to boost economic growth and address inflation.

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia announced plans on Saturday to propose significant legislative reforms targeting the health sector and labor laws as the new session of congress began. These initiatives follow his previous efforts to raise the minimum wage and reform the pension system, despite facing legislative resistance.

Petro aims to establish a government agency to oversee health insurance funds, cutting out private insurers. Additionally, he seeks to enforce stricter regulations on temporary labor contracts and reduce the work week from 47 to 40 hours to enhance employment and productivity.

Although his initial coalition has fragmented, and his administration faces corruption scandals, Petro continues to push for substantial economic and social changes. He also urged the central bank to lower interest rates to spur growth and suggested legislative actions to curb inflation and implement the 2016 peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

(With inputs from agencies.)