Minister Benedetti Addresses Future of Petro's Reforms and Congressional Outlook

BOGOTÁ – Following the definitive approval of the labor reform, Minister of Interior Armando Benedetti spoke with El Espectador regarding the future of President Petro's 'decretazo' and other significant legislative initiatives, including health and pension reforms. Minister Benedetti highlighted the labor reform as one of the most important legislative changes in the last century concerning labor issues. He stated, 'The president always said, in a tweet, that if what was approved in the Senate was better than what had been approved in the Chamber, the decree calling for the popular consultation would be repealed.' He confirmed that the Senate's approved version, and subsequently the reconciliation, is indeed superior to the Chamber's proposal. Looking ahead, the Minister addressed the pending pension and health reforms. He mentioned that the Constitutional Court's notification regarding the pension reform is awaited, which could lead to extraordinary sessions before June 30. He also expressed optimism for the health reform's progress in the Seventh Commission, where the labor reform was also debated. When asked about the impact of the upcoming campaign season on the next legislative period, Benedetti conceded it would 'surely affect' the process. However, he expressed a desire for these critical issues to become central to the campaign, encouraging the public to scrutinize legislative votes on health improvements. 'Hopefully these issues become campaign topics, and people put a magnifying glass on what is being voted on, whether people want health to improve or not,' he concluded. He also believes that with the new directive board, there is a new breath and a new call for a national agreement.