Colombian President Petro proposes tax on illegal gambling to fund health care

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has proposed a tax on illegal gambling and betting to generate funds for the country's health care system. 

Following the collapse of the Financing Law, he emphasized the need for new revenue sources that won't burden small businesses or raise general corporate taxes. In a social media post, Petro explained that additional funding for health care should not come at the expense of productive sectors. 

He previously suggested reducing corporate income tax from 35% to 30% for small and medium enterprises, but this faced political opposition due to interests linked to online gambling. 

The president also highlighted the importance of combating tax evasion in the gambling sector and announced police actions against those evading taxes. He clarified that taxing gambling is a constitutional mandate, as stipulated in both the 1886 and 1991 constitutions. Petro reiterated that these taxes should support health care funding without imposing additional burdens on legitimate businesses.