President Gustavo Petro defended the government's decree eliminating the special services prime for congressmen, worth $16,914,540 monthly. The non-retroactive measure will take effect for new legislators from July 20, 2026. Petro argued it is fair given Congress's rejection of tax reforms targeting the wealthy.
On January 19, 2026, the Colombian government issued Decree 0030, revoking Decree 2170 of 2013 and eliminating the special services prime for senators and representatives. This prime, worth $16,914,540 monthly, was an additional remuneration component, distinct from the legal prime for formal workers, and had replaced benefits like location, housing, and health primes.
From his X social media account, President Gustavo Petro justified the measure: “They keep approving tax reforms against the poor and sink those that impose taxes on the rich. That's why I think it's very fair to reduce congressmen's salaries.” The revocation is not retroactive, so current legislators will retain the benefit until July 20, 2026, when new congressmen elected on March 8 take office.
The decree, signed by Finance Minister Germán Ávila Plazas and Public Function Director Mariela Barragán, highlights that congressmen's remuneration is disproportionate to the average Colombian income and the national economic reality. It aims to promote fiscal sustainability, public spending rationality, and equity, aligning with the 2022-2026 National Development Plan 'Colombia, World Power of Life'.
This action follows previous bills aimed at reducing legislative salaries that were sunk in Congress, one of the highest in the region.
