Colombia’s Council of State, the country’s top administrative court, has invalidated the election of Senate President Roy Barreras, an influential figure in President Gustavo Petro’s ambitious reform agenda.

The Council of State stated that Barreras violated electoral rules by failing to leave his old political party soon enough to seek re-election with his current party, the Historic Pact for Colombia, the leftist coalition led by Petro. Barreras was a congressman for the Union Party for the People from 2018 to 2022, but was re-elected in March 2022 as a senator for the Historic Pact for Colombia.

Barreras, who had backed Petro’s key reforms since he became Senate president, acknowledged the decision on Twitter and vowed to respect the ruling. The ruling is seen as a setback for Petro’s reform drive, as Barreras had played a critical role in bridging the gap between parties that support and oppose Petro.

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Petro’s reform plans include higher taxes on the wealthy, as well as changes in labor law, healthcare, pensions, the judiciary, and the energy sector to transition away from fossil fuels.

However, last week, three political parties revolted against Petro, saying they could no longer support his reform drive. In response, Petro replaced seven members of his cabinet, including his finance minister, and warned Congress of a “revolution” if it fails to approve his reforms. The Barreras ruling is the latest setback for Petro, who faces significant opposition to his ambitious reform agenda.