BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has formally petitioned the nation’s Constitutional Court to reverse its suspension of an economic emergency decree that would empower his administration to implement tax increases without legislative approval. The urgent appeal comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis triggered by catastrophic flooding in northern Colombia.
During a televised Cabinet session on Tuesday, President Petro emphasized the critical need for immediate funding to address the devastation across Sucre and Córdoba provinces, where unprecedented rainfall has claimed at least 14 lives and displaced approximately 69,000 residents. The government requires tens of millions of dollars for comprehensive recovery operations.
“The most favorable outcome would be the revocation of the decree’s suspension,” Petro stated, highlighting the financial challenges confronting reconstruction efforts. This marks the administration’s second attempt to secure additional revenue streams after Congress rejected a proposed $4 billion tax reform package last year.
In late December, during judicial recess, Petro enacted the emergency decree citing multiple pressing needs—including countering escalating drone attacks by rebel groups against military installations and resolving outstanding healthcare provider debts. The Constitutional Court suspended the decree in January, contesting the characterization of these circumstances as unforeseen emergencies.
Interior Minister Armando Benedetti reinforced the administration’s position, asserting that “if the court lifts the suspension, we will obtain essential resources to manage this crisis effectively.”
Meteorological authorities attribute the flooding to two Caribbean cold fronts that produced exceptional rainfall and winds, with certain northern regions experiencing a month’s precipitation within one week. In Montería, Córdoba’s capital, residents navigated submerged streets by canoe to salvage water-damaged possessions.
Local resident Rodolfo Ortega described the extensive property damage: “Numerous household items have deteriorated beyond salvage. We’ve primarily recovered only clothing.”
The court’s decision will determine whether the government can bypass legislative channels to finance both disaster response and previously identified security and healthcare priorities.