A New Dawn for Uruguay: Progressive Politics in Action

Yamandú Orsi won Uruguay’s presidency in a historic runoff, representing a significant political shift towards progressive governance. His platform focuses on addressing poverty and environmental sustainability. The US has exacerbated tensions with Cuba by restricting visas for healthcare workers, while the Sahrawi people continue to seek independence amid Moroccan occupation. Additionally, various global far-right movements and their implications pose challenges to democratic values.

In a climate rife with global turmoil, Uruguay’s recent presidential election offers a beacon of hope. On November 24, 2024, Yamandú Orsi, leader of the progressive Broad Front coalition, won the presidency with 50% of the vote in a historic runoff against Álvaro Delgado of the National Party, who garnered 46%. This outcome indicates a significant political shift and a fresh vision for Uruguay’s future. The Progressive International Observatory was present to monitor both election rounds.
Orsi, a member of the Popular Participation Movement (MPP) within the Broad Front, is perceived as the political successor to the popular president José ‘Pepe’ Mujica. His campaign emphasized inclusivity and progress, resonating with a populace grappling with poverty, crime, and environmental challenges. As the former intendant of Canelones, Orsi will be the first president from the interior of Uruguay, bolstered by vice president-elect Carolina Cosse, former mayor of Montevideo.
Scheduled to assume office on March 1, 2025, Orsi’s presidency aims to forge a more equitable Uruguay. A delegation from the Progressive International plans to attend the inauguration. His win marks the Broad Front’s return to leadership following five years under President Luis Lacalle Pou’s centre-right administration. This victory is a testament to the power of progressive politics rooted in the aspirations of the people.
Addressing child poverty, which affects approximately 25% of the population, is a primary focus of Orsi’s platform. He advocates for increased social spending, job creation for youths, and expanded educational scholarships for vulnerable groups. Plans for reforming Uruguay’s social security system may also include lowering the retirement age. Additionally, Orsi supports reducing the standard workweek to 40 hours, responding to key demands from trade unions.
Environmental issues are also paramount, with Uruguay leading in renewable energy production—over 98% of its electricity comes from renewable sources. Orsi intends to enhance investments in green technologies and explore international collaborations aimed at developing green hydrogen facilities. His foreign policy will prioritize regional cooperation through frameworks like Mercosur, while expressing caution regarding free trade agreements. The Progressive International stands in solidarity with the people of Uruguay as they embark on this transformative journey.
In a separate discussion, the United States has escalated visa restrictions targeting Cuban healthcare workers abroad. Cuba is celebrated for its international medical solidarity, having dispatched over 600,000 medical professionals globally. Bruno Rodriguez, Cuba’s foreign minister, condemned the suspension of visas for Cuban medical collaboration as further unjust aggression against the nation. This measure marks a significant escalation in US-Cuba relations under the Trump Administration.
This week, the Sahrawi people commemorated the 49th anniversary of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Celebratory events in Smara camp showcased their unwavering pursuit of independence amid ongoing occupation by Morocco, supported by the US and EU. The Solidarity Movement, a white Afrikaner organization, has backed Trump’s stance against South Africa, urging sustained pressure on its government. This comes as the Trump Administration cuts essential funding for HIV organizations in retaliation for South Africa’s land reform policies.
Additionally, the Progressive International co-hosted a virtual conference with the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment to discuss the implications of sanctions imposed on Cuba. The conference connected various experts to evaluate the legality and impact of these measures. In a related effort, PI Co-General Coordinator Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla briefed UK Parliament members on the Hague Group’s initiative to uphold international law for Palestine.
While addressing global far-right movements, it is critical to scrutinize the powerful network known as the Reactionary International, comprising various political and social figures worldwide. This coalition operates more effectively than individual far-right leaders, advancing their agendas at alarming rates. Investigative journalist Matt Kennard discussed this in a recent episode of The International, a video series presented by Jacobin and the Progressive International.
Moreover, reports indicate Booking.com and Airbnb advertise accommodations in illegal Israeli settlements within the West Bank. The UN’s International Court of Justice has deemed Israel’s occupation unlawful, urging member states to refrain from recognizing it legally. The Progressive International’s Watermelon Index collaborates with the Youth Front for Palestine, advocating for the withdrawal of listings related to the Occupied Territories.
An important cultural note includes the passing of Gladys Afamado, a notable Uruguayan artist and member of the Montevideo Engraving Club. Her impactful works voiced opposition to various global injustices, including the Vietnam War. The club, amid socio-political crises, provided a platform for members to express dissent through art, expanding its reach significantly over a decade.

Yamandú Orsi’s election as Uruguay’s president symbolizes a progressive shift in the nation’s political landscape, emphasizing social equity and environmental sustainability. His government is set to confront pressing issues like child poverty and climate change while fostering international cooperation. Concurrently, ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Cuba and the Sahrawi people’s struggle for freedom, reflect the complex interplay of global politics that continues to shape international relations. Effective collaboration among progressive movements remains vital for advancing social justice worldwide.

Original Source: progressive.international