Government and Congress hold first meeting on fiscal rescue law in Barranquilla

The national government and members of the economic commissions of the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives held their first meeting in Barranquilla on Saturday, November 7, 2026, to discuss the Fiscal Rescue Law. Executive officials and congressmen attended the session to socialize the initiative and listen to observations from different political blocs.

Although there was willingness to dialogue, differences over VAT, taxes, and public spending marked the discussion. Lawmakers particularly disagreed on how to address the country's fiscal situation and who would bear the cost of economic measures.

“Here it is not about having unsalvageable things, what must be saved is the country and also the citizens' pocket.”

The Democratic Center party presented a unified proposal with nearly 16 points aimed at modifying several components of the project. Senator Carlos Meisel stated that his group recognizes Colombia's fiscal difficulties but has concerns about new levies, VAT increases in certain sectors, and parafiscal charges affecting workers and citizens.

Meisel said the party does not intend to impose non-negotiable red lines, emphasizing that the goal is to save the country and citizens' wallets. The party also opposes any tax on the family basket and proposes state reorganization through the merger of ministries and entities.

Other proposals from the party led by Alvaro Uribe include the partial sale of shares in Ecopetrol and ISA, sanctions for non-compliance with state obligations, and benefits for taxpayers who regularize their tax burdens. Senator Gustavo Moreno said the government is willing to reconcile and that the text approved by Congress will differ from the one originally introduced.

The government seeks extraordinary powers to suppress, merge, and create ministries and state entities through the fiscal adjustment law project. The administration also aims to increase the taxable base and address COP 71 trillion in tax evasion.

The opposition was not invited to the official meeting and is internally discussing the proposal. President Abelardo de la Espriella was expected to attend the event but did not appear.