Colombian President Petro Calls for National Pact on Living Wage

Petro urges consensus with businesses and workers to set temporary living wage

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro called on Sunday for a national consensus with the business sector and workers to set a temporary living wage, as he had ordered the government to do.

Why it matters

Petro's call for a living wage pact reflects his progressive economic agenda aimed at reducing inequality in Colombia. However, reaching an agreement with businesses and unions could prove challenging.

The details

Petro ordered the government to set a temporary living wage, but said a national consensus is needed to define what that should be. He called for mobilizations to support the initiative, signaling he wants public pressure to help drive the pact.

  • Petro made the call for a living wage pact on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Gustavo Petro

The current President of Colombia, who has proposed a living wage pact as part of his progressive economic agenda.

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What they’re saying

“We must reach a national consensus with the business sector and workers to define a temporary living wage.”

— Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia

What’s next

Petro called for mobilizations to support the living wage pact, indicating he wants public pressure to help drive the negotiations between the government, businesses, and unions.

The takeaway

Petro's push for a living wage pact reflects his progressive economic agenda, but reaching an agreement with businesses and unions may prove challenging as he seeks to reduce inequality in Colombia.