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Colombian Minimum Wage Increase Sparks Controversy Ahead of Elections

KVIA•Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 9:09 PM•CNN Newsource

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On December 30, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a decree raising the minimum wage by 23.7%, effective January 2026. This unexpected increase has become a focal point in the upcoming congressional elections on March 8 and the presidential election on May 31. While approximately 2.4 million formal workers welcomed the raise, business leaders and political opponents criticized it as excessive and politically motivated. Following legal challenges, the Council of State temporarily suspended the decree, prompting Petro to call for public demonstrations to support the wage increase. Analysts suggest that this issue could significantly influence voter sentiment, as over 5 million people, including families of minimum wage earners, are directly affected. The government is appealing the suspension, asserting that the wage increase is essential for social justice.

Key Details: • Minimum wage increase of 23.7% starts January 2026. • Congressional elections on March 8 and presidential elections on May 31. • Public demonstrations called by President Petro to support the wage increase. • Legal challenges led to a temporary suspension by the Council of State. • Over 5 million people, including families, are impacted by the wage increase.

elections politics colombia minimum-wage social-justice

People & Organizations

Gustavo PetroJaime Alberto CabalFederación Nacional de ComerciantesÁlvaro AyalaJaime Honorio GonzálezCouncil of State

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