Benedetti's Ultimatum: Colombia's Popular Consultation on the Brink of Decree

Colombia's political landscape is currently marked by a significant development concerning a proposed popular consultation. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti recently announced that if the Senate fails to act on the proposal before June 1st, the government will proceed with its implementation through a decree. "If they don't do it, we could proceed to decree it directly," stated Benedetti. This declaration underscores the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches regarding the consultation. The government maintains that two proposals are currently under consideration, and public participation is essential. The Senate's inaction has prompted the government's threat to bypass the legislative process, raising questions about the balance of power and the future of the consultation. This situation highlights the importance of timely legislative action and the potential consequences of inaction in a democratic process. The government's insistence on public input underscores the significance of citizen engagement in shaping national policy.