Tens of thousands of Colombians mobilized nationwide on Tuesday as President Gustavo Petro declared March 18 a "Civic Day" to rally support for contentious healthcare and labor reforms. Street demonstrations saw healthcare workers, union members, and civil society groups unite, waving banners urging congressional approval of the proposals aimed at expanding public services and worker protections.
"This is a historic moment to address systemic inequalities," President Petro stated during a Bogotá address, framing the reforms as vital to reducing corporate influence in healthcare and modernizing labor regulations. However, the bills face stiff opposition from lawmakers citing fiscal stability concerns.
CGTN's Michelle Begue reported from Bogotá that while urban centers like Medellín and Cali saw strong turnout, critics warn of prolonged legislative debates. The reforms' fate could shape Petro’s progressive agenda and Colombia’s socio-economic trajectory.
