Politics & Government Guide in Colombia

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Colombia operates as a unitary presidential republic under President Gustavo Petro since 2022, facing challenges with social reforms in labor, pensions, and healthcare amid legislative debates. Recent initiatives include pension system changes effective 2025 and expanded Indigenous territorial autonomy. Public trust in government remains below OECD averages, with ongoing efforts to address inequalities and governance issues.

Corruption Index

Below Average

Democracy Index

Moderate

Government Type

Unitary presidential republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Gustavo Petro Urrego(since 2022)

Head of Government

President Gustavo Petro Urrego(Historic Pact for Colombia)since 2022

Political Indicators

Corruption Index

40Rank #91

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Democracy Index

6.92Rank #42

Scale: 0-10

Flawed Democracy

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:bicameral

Upper House:Senate (108 seats)

Lower House:Chamber of Representatives (100 seats)

Major Political Parties

Historic Pact for Colombia(Pacto Histórico)

Left-wing

Democratic Center(CD)

Center-right

Voting Rights

Colombian citizens aged 18 and over have full voting rights in national and local elections.

Recent Developments

Pension reform enacted, effective July 1, 2025, mandating contributions up to 2.3 times minimum wage to public fund Colpensiones
Decree 488-2025 approved on May 5, 2025, formalizing Indigenous Territorial Entities with veto rights over projects
Ongoing debates on labor reform to extend night work hours, increase holiday pay, and protect gig workers
Healthcare reform proposals to eliminate private EPS intermediaries and centralize under public ADRES

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1991

Departments32