Colombia constituent assembly looks unlikely

Significance The presidency clarified quickly that the idea was not to conduct a formal assembly, but to establish a popular mandate for policy changes. Petro has said he does not aim to pursue constitutional changes, suggesting his intention is to circumvent Congress’s rejection of his social and economic reform proposals. Impacts Petro may struggle to find ways of sustaining his political project beyond his term. Economic problems and low approval ratings will make Petro more eager to control the political narrative and influence media headlines. Another, recently announced, cabinet reshuffle will exacerbate tensions withing the government.