Colombia's lower house freezes reform debates amid voice memo scandal

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro gestures as he leaves the South American Summit at Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, Brazil May 30, 2023. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's lower house on Monday said it would freeze debates on government-backed social reforms, as former high-ranking officials in President Gustavo Petro's administration were called to give evidence over alleged campaign financing irregularities.

The government of leftist Petro, who took office last year, has sent proposed labor, pension and health reforms - key policy promises - to Congress for approval.