Petro Announces Constitutional Assembly Call on Labor Day & Fundraising Begins

President Gustavo Petro has announced a call for a National Constituent Assembly, timing the move to coincide with International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2026.

The announcement, reported by Caracol Radio, aligns the push for a new constitutional framework with the traditional labor demonstrations held across Colombia on May 1.

Fundraising Efforts and Controversy

Alongside the political call, a financial campaign has been launched to support the initiative. According to reporting from EL TIEMPO, a bank account was established to collect money to promote the assembly, a move that was reportedly made at the request of the president.

The timing of these financial requests has become a point of contention. El Colombiano reported that the president began requesting funds for the Constituent Assembly while in the midst of a campaign.

This fundraising strategy has drawn sharp criticism from regional authorities. The Governor of Antioquia questioned the decision to seek public donations for the assembly, according to Teleantioquia. The governor specifically contrasted the collection for the Constituent Assembly with the absence of similar crowdfunding efforts, or vaca, for the development of 4G road infrastructure.

Nationwide Mobilization

The call for the assembly is being paired with a broader call for public mobilization. Radio Nacional de Colombia reports that citizens are taking to the streets on May 1, 2026, with specific meeting points established throughout the country to coordinate the demonstrations.