Colombia’s Senate Leader Sends Warning to President Gustavo Petro Regarding His Planned Referendum

The President of the Senate of the Republic, Efraín Cepeda Sarabia, announced that the legislative body sent a formal communication to the National Civil Registry, accompanied by the certification of the Secretary General of the Senate, confirming that the proposal for a popular consultation was voted on and not approved by the legislative corporation.

Speaking to reporters from the National Capitol, Cepeda stated that President Petro’s announcement to decree the referendum by decree, “It’s absurd; if he does it at the moment he signs it, if they sign it, he will be sued immediately.”

Cepeda warned that if the head of state calls for such a referendum, “He is violating all laws, violating Colombian justice. Because that is where he should present his legal concerns, and not ignore the decision of congress, which is one of the branches of independent public power. The referendum was denied in the senate plenary session. The certifications are there.”

Finally, the president of the senate expressed his confidence that the institutions will act per the law: “I am sure that the registrar will not agree to call a referendum that has not been approved by Congress.”

President of the Senate of the Republic, Efraín Cepeda Sarabia. Photo credit: Senate of the Republic of Colombia.