In a significant political shift, the Frente Amplio, led by Yamandú Orsi, has regained the presidency in Uruguay following the elections on Sunday, November 24. With the endorsement of former President José "Pepe" Mujica, Orsi triumphed over the incumbent candidate, Álvaro Delgado of the National Party, securing 52% of the vote.
This victory signals the resurgence of the left in Uruguay after a five-year hiatus post the 15-year reign (2005-2020) of the Frente Amplio, which was succeeded by a center-right administration. Outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou personally congratulated the president-elect, promising a seamless transition both in a direct call and through social media.
A Vision for Change
In his victory address, Orsi pledged to foster national dialogue and ensure economic stability, social protection, and improved security. His campaign was built around themes of income redistribution, economic growth, and tackling insecurity.
At 57, Orsi is a history teacher and has twice served as mayor under the Frente Amplio coalition. He has been described as the political heir to Mujica, who turned Uruguay into a global model for progressive policies and environmental sustainability. Orsi's formative years were spent in a modest rural area without electricity, and he became politically active during Uruguay’s transition to democracy following the military dictatorship (1973-1985).
Regional Support and Challenges Ahead
Orsi received congratulations from numerous Latin American leaders, including Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (Mexico), Xiomara Castro de Zelaya (Honduras), Gabriel Boric Font (Chile), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil), and Spain's President Pedro Sánchez. Miguel Díaz-Canel also extended his congratulations, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral relations.
Despite holding a majority in the Uruguayan Senate, the left will face a divided Parliament, with the National Party maintaining a strong presence in the Chamber of Deputies. This political landscape will necessitate building consensus and will shape the nature of Orsi’s administration.
Addressing Crime and Social Issues
Crime remains a significant concern for Uruguayans, with a homicide rate of 11.2 per 100,000 people. Additionally, drug trafficking and violence in Montevideo's marginalized neighborhoods have sparked widespread social alarm.