Colombian Labor Reform in Jeopardy After Key Party Withdraws Support

Breaking News: Colombian Labor Reform Faces Setback as Key Party Withdraws Support Bogotá, Colombia – In a significant development, the Centro Democrático party has withdrawn its support for the majority report on the proposed labor reform, throwing the legislation's future into uncertainty. The party released a statement citing concerns over the transparency of the process and accusing Senator Angélica Lozano, President of Commission IV, of jeopardizing previously established agreements. The statement reads, in part, "Luego de una semana de intensos debates... lamentamos informar que la Dra Angélica Lozano, Presidente de la Comisión IV, ha puesto en riesgo los acuerdos construidos." (After a week of intense debates... we regret to inform that Dr. Angélica Lozano, President of Commission IV, has jeopardized the agreements reached.) This unexpected move comes after weeks of intense negotiations. The withdrawal of the Centro Democrático's support leaves the reform's passage in doubt, as it significantly reduces the number of votes in favor. Adding another layer of complexity, the Minister of the Interior, Armando Benedetti, has publicly declared his support for the remaining report, suggesting a potential path forward despite the setback. "Básicamente...que las horas extras son a partir de las 6 de la tarde," he stated in a press conference. (Basically...that overtime is from 6 pm onwards.) The situation remains fluid, and the impact of the Centro Democrático's withdrawal on the labor reform's ultimate fate remains to be seen. The coming days will likely witness further political maneuvering as lawmakers attempt to navigate this unexpected obstacle.