Colombia’s Tax Hike Push Amid Flood Crisis Reveals Dangers of Executive Overreach

When disaster strikes, governments must respond swiftly—but does that justify overriding constitutional checks and balances? Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s recent push to lift the suspension on an economic emergency decree granting him unilateral authority to raise taxes without legislative approval raises urgent concerns about governance accountability and national sovereignty. This crisis is not just about flood recovery; it reveals deeper risks when leaders sideline democratic processes under the guise of emergencies.Are Emergency Powers Becoming a License for Unchecked Taxation?In early 2024, devastating floods triggered by rare cold fronts unleashed heavy rains in Sucre and Córdoba provinces, displacing nearly 70,000 citizens...