Colombian lawmakers reject Petro-backed labor reform

FILE PHOTO: Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacts during the troop recognition ceremony for the newly appointed Minister of Defense, Pedro Sanchez, at the Jose Maria Cordova Military Cadet School in Bogota, Colombia, March 11, 2025. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez/File Photo

BOGOTA (Reuters) -A Colombian Senate committee rejected on Tuesday a labor reform promoted by President Gustavo Petro, marking the latest setback to the leftist leader's efforts to pass economic and social legislation he promised to enact during his campaign.

The labor reform was a key initiative for Petro, who says he has a mandate from voters to reduce inequality and poverty. A former legislator and mayor of the capital Bogota, Petro took office in 2022.