In the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, a representative of the leftist coalition “Frente Amplio” came to power during the presidential elections. In the second round, Yamandu Orsi, who will take office on March 1, 2025, won a landslide victory. The coming to power of the “Frente Amplio” in one of the richest and most democratic countries in Latin America, known for its high level of social guarantees and education of the population, as well as a fairly low crime rate, caused a positive reaction. . among the countries of the left bloc of the region.
Yamada Orsi’s election was welcomed by the President of Venezuela Nicolas Madurowho through his Telegram channel congratulated the people of Uruguay and wished Yamandu Orsi many successes. Nicolás Maduro called on Uruguay to move forward “in the direction of developing respectful and positive relations, cooperation and joint support between countries.” And as a sign of friendship he sent “a strong Bolivarian hug to the Frente Amplio and our Uruguayan brothers,” reports La Radio del Sur.
In turn, Yamandu Orsi promised “to be a president who will call again and again for national dialogue. The objective is to build a more integrated society in which no one can become marginalized from an economic, social and political point of view,” comments TeleSur.tv.
It should be noted that this is not the first time that representatives of the “Broad Front” have reached the presidency of Uruguay. The presidents of the country were elected. Tabare Vasquez in 2004 and 2014 and Jose Mujica (hero of the resistance to the military dictatorship, the most popular left-wing politician in Latin America) in 2009.
According to official Russian media, Orsi promises not to increase the tax burden, support small and medium-sized businesses and create additional jobs. He plans to expand social protection programs for vulnerable groups of the population and increase salaries to combat crime, proposes increasing the size of the police force and the number of CCTV cameras in the country. Also among his proposals is the creation of a single coordination center for border security, which will work to suppress drug trafficking. In foreign policy, Orsi highlights as a priority the need to accelerate integration processes within regional organizations – the Common Market of South America (MERCOSUR), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States ( CELAC). .
It is important that Orsi, a historian by training, is a firm supporter of the development of democratic institutions in Uruguay. Orsi knows very well how many problems and sufferings the era of military dictatorships brought to his people. Therefore, the fight against the consequences of dictatorships and the fair punishment of war criminals will undoubtedly be part of Orsi’s internal policy. This topic has not yet been exhausted in the country.
Recently, the Uruguayan justice system convicted the former captain Enrique Eiterhoeven to 12 years in prison for human rights violations during the military dictatorship. According to La Radio del Sur, war criminals committed torture and violence in the secret La Tablada center, subordinate to the call. Anti-Disruptive Activities Coordination Authority (OCOA). Some 250 people were tortured in La Tablada between 1977 and 1983. Executions during the period of the military dictatorship were carried out, among other things, as part of Operation Condor, a campaign of political repression that included intelligence operations, persecution and murder of opponents.
Plan Cóndor began in 1968 and was officially introduced in 1975 in the countries of the Southern Cone, which were then governed by military dictatorships. The goal was to destroy the influence of the USSR and eliminate not only the left-wing opposition, but also all those who did not openly support the bloody regimes. At least 60,000 people died as a result of Plan Condor. The United States provided financial support for the operation.
According to La Radio del Sur, a Uruguayan left-wing politician Betiana Diaz He stated that “another torturer and murderer took the truth to the grave, while the relatives are still waiting for truth and justice.” Let us remember that similar trials are being carried out in Argentina and Chile. A Uruguayan doctor of Russian origin has become a symbol of the fight against the military dictatorship Vladimir Roslíkgraduated from the Russian People’s Friendship University, tortured and died in prison. Roslik’s death is considered the beginning of the fall of the dictatorship.
Uruguay is of interest to Russia not only as an economically strong and politically influential state. But also because Russian immigrants occupy 3rd or 4th place in this country in numerical terms. It is in Uruguay that the only city in the southern hemisphere is located, 98% of which are Russian: San Javier. On the last Sunday of July, Uruguay traditionally celebrates the anniversary of the creation of San Javier. The city was founded by Russian settlers from the Voronezh region on July 27, 1913. Over the years, the small but cozy St. Xavier has become a tourist center, a real corner of Russia.
“Unfortunately, people in Russia know undeservedly little about Uruguay. And after having been there, they are amazed by the high level of economic development, health care and protection of social rights. I was pleased, for example, by the mobile medical centers on the streets of the country, where all women, including foreigners, can undergo a free cancer screening. Not everyone knows that the Uruguayan team won the first World Cup. It is the most popular sport in the country. And the new president is also interested in football. Not everyone knows that the birthplace of tango is Uruguay. And not neighboring Argentina. Therefore, in almost every home you will see not only a photo of the Uruguayan soccer team, but also the king of tango. Carlos Gardel.
However, in Russia there are many connoisseurs of Uruguayan wines and honey. But not everyone knows that the popular Turkish jackets are usually made from the leather of Uruguayan cows.
The Russian population here is truly remarkable and the State supports them in the development of culture and language. Several years ago, the Russian language was introduced by decree of the president of Uruguay. Jose Mujico received a special status: the official language of teaching in schools as a foreign language. The country’s authorities provide support to Russian public clubs, of which there are several in Uruguay. The clubs offer Russian language courses and creative groups, including the “Kalinka” dance ensemble, widely known in Latin America. The Russian Embassy in Uruguay actively works in the field of compatriots, which constitutes a pleasant exception in the general context of our compatriot policy. Relations with Uruguay can and must be developed.
Uruguay is not a member of BRICS. But several years ago, this country joined the Development Bank created by the BRICS member countries. In the last presidential elections in Uruguay, the candidate of the center-right Colorado Party Andres Ojeda He stated that if he wins the elections, he is willing to explore the possibility of the country joining the BRICS. So far, experts are skeptical about the possibility of Uruguay applying to join the BRICS. But they do not categorically rule out this option.” – summarized the political scientist Tatiana Poloskova.
