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Petro’s Overhaul of Colombian Welfare State Faces First Big Test

  • President calls for mass demonstrations to back health reform
  • Investors are worried by government’s upcoming pension reform
Gustavo Petro
Gustavo PetroPhotographer: Anita Pouchard Serra/Bloomberg

President Gustavo Petro’s plans to overhaul the Colombian welfare state are facing their first big test as his supporters take to the streets to pressure lawmakers debating his controversial health care bill.  

The proposals sent to congress on Monday seek to slash the role of private health insurers and make the government the main manager of the $15 billion-a-year health system.