(Bloomberg) -- Colombia’s “U” Party called on the government to push back its flagship legislation to overhaul the welfare state, as a scandal embroils senior officials.  

The government of President Gustavo Petro is currently trying to pass bills to boost workers’ rights and cut the role of private health and pension providers, but its agenda has been derailed by allegations of abuse of power involving some of the president’s top aides. 

The administration wanted to get its reforms passed this congressional session in order to focus on regional elections in October. 

The current session of congress ends June 20, though the government can call for extraordinary sessions beyond that date. The U has 10 seats in the 108-member senate.  

The next congressional session starts July 20. 

--With assistance from Oscar Medina.

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