politics
May 9, 2026
Round and Round: National Constituent Assembly
The constituent discussion has returned to the center of the current debate, as President Gustavo Petro announced that on July 20, he will submit a bill to convene a National Constituent Assembly. The legal and political path will not be easy, as it requires approval in a Congress where he does not have majorities, overcoming the control of the Constitutional Court, and achieving a vote close to thirteen million citizens for the "Yes."
TL;DR
- President Gustavo Petro announced plans to introduce a bill for a National Constituent Assembly on July 20.
- This initiative faces challenges in Congress, the Constitutional Court, and requires significant public support.
- A referendum committee, led by Sergio Fajardo, is promoting a measure to prevent a Constituent Assembly between 2026 and 2034.
- The author argues that the current constitution is robust and capable of implementing necessary reforms.
- The real obstacles are a lack of political will, institutional commitment, and public understanding of the constitution, rather than the need for a new one.