Venezuela officially congratulated newly elected Uruguayan president Yamandú Orsi and his running mate Carolina Cosse, highlighting a potential for improved relations following their victory over the neoliberal right. Despite Orsi’s past criticisms of Venezuela, his administration promises a focus on dialogue and an inclusive governance style, marking a leftist resurgence in Uruguay after five years of right-wing leadership.
Venezuela has extended its congratulations to the newly elected Uruguayan president, Yamandú Orsi, and his running mate, Carolina Cosse, emphasizing the potential for a strengthened bilateral relationship. The Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the victory of the Frente Amplio coalition as a significant triumph over what it termed the “neoliberal right.” Relations between Venezuela and Uruguay had deteriorated under the tenure of outgoing president Luis Lacalle Pou, who was known for publicly criticizing the Maduro administration and supporting the opposition led by Juan Guaidó.
In response to the election results, President Nicolás Maduro expressed a desire for a positive, respectful dialogue between the two nations, stating, “Let us work towards building a respectful and positive relationship, one of cooperation and shared support between our countries.” Orsi, a former mayor and teacher, won the election narrowly against Álvaro Delgado of the National Party, marking a leftist resurgence in Uruguay. With the Frente Amplio securing 1,196,798 votes against Delgado’s 1,101,296, the election exhibited an impressive voter turnout of 89 percent from over 2.7 million eligible voters.
Despite some past criticisms from Orsi, including a description of Venezuela’s political situation as “indefensible” and calling the government “authoritarian,” his running mate Carolina Cosse has previously defended the country’s political system. In a 2018 interview, Cosse stated, “I do not consider Cuba and Venezuela to be dictatorships. I believe that each nation has the right to self-determination. In Venezuela, there is a president elected in free elections.”
This election signifies a return of the left to power in Uruguay after five years, as the Frente Amplio previously governed for 15 continuous years. Orsi has pledged to adopt a governance style that prioritizes progressive and moderate policies, aiming to foster dialogue and inclusivity within Uruguayan society.
The political landscape in Latin America has seen significant shifts, with various nations oscillating between leftist and right-leaning governments. Uruguay, under the recent leadership of Luis Lacalle Pou, leaned towards the right and had tense relations with Venezuela, particularly due to criticisms of President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The election of Yamandú Orsi and the return of the Frente Amplio is indicative of a broader trend of leftist parties regaining power in the region, reflecting the electorate’s response to previous government policies.
The election of Yamandú Orsi signifies a pivotal moment for Uruguay as it reverts to leftist governance, potentially re-establishing closer ties with Venezuela. The congratulations offered by the Venezuelan government highlight the aspirations for a cooperative relationship, especially following the previous administration’s criticisms. Orsi’s commitment to dialogue and social inclusivity suggests a progressive approach aimed at addressing the needs of all citizens in Uruguay.
Original Source: venezuelanalysis.com
