President Gustavo Petro said he will present a proposal for a National Constituent Assembly to Congress on July 20, 2024 [2].

The announcement marks a significant escalation in Petro's efforts to restructure the Colombian state. By seeking a constituent assembly, the president aims to fundamentally rewrite the nation's legal and social framework to align with his administration's goals.

Petro said this during a speech in Medellín on May 1, 2024 [1], coinciding with nationwide Labor Day marches. The president used the platform to address labor reform and the necessity of structural change within the government. The event took place amid widespread mobilizations as workers gathered to demand better conditions, and legislative updates [3].

The proposal for the National Constituent Assembly is scheduled for presentation to Congress on July 20, 2024 [2]. This timeline suggests a push to accelerate institutional changes before the end of the year. The move follows ongoing tensions between the executive branch and legislative opponents regarding the scope of presidential power and the nature of social reforms.

In Medellín, the president focused his rhetoric on the intersection of labor rights and constitutional authority. He said that the current legal structures may be insufficient to implement the comprehensive labor reforms his administration seeks. The timing of the speech — coinciding with the May 1 [1] demonstrations — was intended to link the demands of the working class with the broader goal of constitutional overhaul.

While the administration views the assembly as a tool for democratic renewal, critics often view such moves as attempts to consolidate power. The upcoming July date [2] will serve as a critical juncture for the Colombian Congress to determine if the proposal will move forward or face a legislative blockade.

“President Gustavo Petro said he will present a proposal for a National Constituent Assembly to Congress on July 20, 2024.”

The push for a National Constituent Assembly represents a shift from pursuing specific legislative reforms to seeking a total systemic overhaul. If successful, this could allow the Petro administration to bypass existing judicial and legislative hurdles that have slowed previous reform efforts, potentially altering the balance of power in Colombia for decades.