Petro Bypasses Congress: Decree to Trigger Popular Consultation in Colombia

Colombia's President Petro Bypasses Congress, Orders Popular Consultation via Decree Bogota, Colombia – In a significant political development, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced he will use a presidential decree to convene a popular consultation on key issues, bypassing the legislative branch after its rejection of the proposal. The decision has sparked immediate controversy and raised questions about the balance of power. The consultation will include twelve questions, according to Minister of the Interior, Armando Benedetti, who spoke exclusively to Noticias Caracol. "The one who violated the law was the president of the Senate when he closed the vote," Benedetti asserted, referring to the Senate's previous rejection of the consultation. This statement highlights the government's contention that the legislative process was flawed. Eduardo Montealegre, a former Attorney General and legal advisor to the government, also weighed in, emphasizing the government's legal justification for the decree. He cited irregularities in the Senate's voting procedure, describing them as "insubsanable vices" that rendered the vote invalid. The government's legal team appears confident in its ability to defend the decree against potential legal challenges. The swift action by President Petro signals a direct confrontation with Congress, raising concerns about potential political instability. However, the government argues its actions are necessary to address critical national issues. The coming weeks will likely see intense legal and political debate surrounding the legality and implications of the decree.