In a decisive bid to overcome a legislative impasse, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has put forward the idea of convening a National Constituent Assembly should his administration’s social reform agenda hit a roadblock.
Addressing the public in Cali on Friday, President Petro stressed the urgency of the situation, asserting that if Colombia’s current institutions prove incapable of enacting the necessary social changes demanded by the people, then fundamental institutional reforms are imperative. “It’s not the populace who retreat defeated to their homes; rather, it’s the institutions that must adapt,” he declared. Petro argued that if a democratically elected government, working within the framework of Colombia’s constitution, finds itself obstructed from implementing essential reforms, then the nation must consider a National Constituent Assembly as a mechanism for progress.
The announcement has sparked varied reactions across the political spectrum. Former President Álvaro Uribe cautioned against destabilizing constitutional norms, warning against replacing democratic processes with ultimatums. Meanwhile, Antonio Navarro, a former constituent and erstwhile comrade of President Petro from the demobilized guerrilla group M-19, expressed reservations regarding the necessity of a new Constituent Assembly at this juncture.
Former Mayor of Bogotá Claudia López added her voice to the dissent, emphasizing the importance of upholding the 1991 Constitution and pointing out Petro’s lack of congressional backing for such a move. “Petro lacks the necessary support to pass even ordinary legislation, let alone convene a Constituent Assembly,” she remarked, accusing Petro of fostering chaos and division.
The Colombian Constitution of 1991 outlines the procedures for convening a National Constituent Assembly. Under Article 376, Congress may initiate a referendum to gauge public support for such an assembly, requiring at least one-third of eligible voters to endorse the proposal. Once convened, the Assembly would be tasked with drafting constitutional amendments, temporarily suspending Congress’s regular legislative powers.
With 40,292,068 eligible voters in Colombia, any decision to convene a National Constituent Assembly would necessitate significant public backing. As political tensions escalate, the prospect of institutional reform looms large, indicating a potential reshaping of Colombia’s political landscape.
