Building on prior promoter committee registrations and bills from late 2025, President Gustavo Petro announced on May 1 the start of collecting 5 million signatures for a National Constituent Assembly at a Medellín event. The proposal, if supported, will be presented to the new Congress on July 20 to add chapters on social reforms and anti-corruption to the 1991 Constitution—strengthening, not replacing, it.
During International Workers' Day at Parque de las Luces in Medellín, Petro detailed the citizen-backed initiative, providing a QR code on social media for signatures. He emphasized two key chapters: legislative acts for social reforms and political reforms to combat corruption, amid congressional obstacles to health, pension, and labor changes.
Petro highlighted achievements like the century's lowest unemployment rate and urged workers to join Colpensiones to prevent private fund 'thefts.' The measure addresses perceived institutional blockages without altering the 1991 Constitution's core.
Critics reacted swiftly: Senator María Fernanda Cabal labeled it 'abuse of power,' while Congresswoman Angélica Lozano warned of caudillo-style re-election bids.
