2024-11-25 02:49:00
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Centre-left candidate Yamandú Orsi has won Uruguay’s presidential elections against his centre-right rival, promising moderate change in one of Latin America’s wealthiest and most stable countries.
Uruguay’s electoral authority said Orsi of the Frente Amplio coalition had won 49.8 per cent of the vote in a run-off election on Sunday, with 96 per cent of ballots counted, against 45.9 per cent for the National party’s Álvaro Delgado, a former cabinet chief of incumbent President Luis Lacalle Pou.
Orsi, 57, a mayor and former teacher, vowed to build “a more integrated country” in an address to supporters after his victory.
“No one must be left behind, from the social, economic and political point of view,” he said.
“This must also be a country that moves towards development, prosperity, national growth, a country that advances.”
Lacalle Pou, who was constitutionally barred from standing for re-election, and Delgado conceded defeat.
Orsi has promised to increase social spending while avoiding raising taxes, which are already high by regional standards, and to stimulate economic growth.
However Orsi’s candidate for finance minister, Gabriel Oddone, told local media this month that the party could not rule out tax rises.
Orsi has also pledged a crackdown on crime, which polls show has become Uruguayans’ top concern as drug gangs have expanded activity in the country.
Uruguay is among Latin America’s most stable economies, with the lowest borrowing costs in the region. Last month, voters rejected a proposal to lower the retirement age and raise pensions, a move that analysts said would bolster the country’s reputation as a haven for investment.
However economic growth has stagnated over the past decade, and the fiscal deficit has widened to 4.4 per cent. Inflation remains high at about 5 per cent.
Orsi, who will take office on March 1, has spent the past decade as mayor of Uruguay’s second-most populous region Canelones, and was part of negotiations that led Google to invest $850mn in a data centre there.
Orsi’s campaign manager Alejandro Sánchez told the Financial Times last month that the candidate’s priority would be to eradicate child poverty, which stands at 25 per cent.
“To do that, the economy needs to grow . . . and to grow the economy needs to be much more open,” he said.
Orsi has said he would seek to lower tariffs with China while respecting the rules of the Mercosur trade bloc — made up of Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia — which prevents members from striking their own trade deals.
Sánchez said the new administration also planned to attract investment by reducing bureaucracy, offering companies energy subsidies and highlighting Uruguay’s green credentials.
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How might Yamandú Orsi’s election victory impact Uruguay’s socio-economic policies and future direction?
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Maria Gonzalez on Yamandú Orsi’s Election Victory in Uruguay**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez. Yamandú Orsi has just won the presidential election in Uruguay. What do you think his victory means for the political landscape in the country?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Orsi’s victory represents a significant shift back to the center-left, following the tenure of President Luis Lacalle Pou and his National party. Orsi’s message of inclusivity and development resonates with many Uruguayan voters, especially in light of growing social concerns and economic challenges. His win suggests a desire for more progressive policies that address these issues.
**Interviewer:** Orsi has promised to avoid raising taxes while increasing social spending. How feasible do you think this is?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** It’s certainly ambitious. While it’s essential for him to raise social spending to support vulnerable populations, the high tax burden in Uruguay makes this a delicate balancing act. His finance minister candidate, Gabriel Oddone’s statement about not ruling out tax increases indicates that there may be some tough decisions ahead. Orsi will need to navigate fiscal constraints carefully to fulfill his promises.
**Interviewer:** Crime has been a growing concern among voters. What are Orsi’s plans to address this issue?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Orsi has placed a strong emphasis on cracking down on crime, particularly as drug-related activity has increased. His administration will likely focus on enhancing police resources and community programs aimed at prevention. However, he must also ensure that this does not lead to over-policing or infringe on civil liberties, which could alienate some segments of the population.
**Interviewer:** With the economy experiencing stagnation and a widening fiscal deficit, what are the immediate challenges Orsi will face once he takes office?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** The economic situation is indeed precarious. Orsi will need to focus on stimulating growth, which could involve strategic investments and partnerships, much like his past role in attracting Google’s investment in Canelones. At the same time, he will face pressure to manage inflation and the fiscal deficit, all while trying to implement social reforms.
**Interviewer:** How do you see the future of Uruguay under Orsi’s leadership?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** There’s potential for progressive change, but it will depend heavily on his ability to unite various factions within the government and society. If he can foster dialog and collaboration, he might navigate the challenges successfully and create a more integrated society. However, he must remain mindful of the political opposition, particularly from the National party, which will likely scrutinize his every move.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how Orsi’s presidency unfolds.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you. It’s certainly a pivotal time for Uruguay, and I look forward to discussing the developments as they happen.
