Yamandú Orsi has been elected president of Uruguay, representing the Broad Front coalition, with a focus on addressing economic inequality and promoting environmental sustainability. His victory signifies a return to progressive governance after five years of center-right rule. Meanwhile, global issues such as US visa restrictions on Cuban healthcare workers and the plight of the Sahrawi people remain key topics of international concern, underscoring wider struggles against oppression.
Amid a climate of continuous distress in the news, Uruguay’s recent presidential election presents a beacon of optimism. On November 24, 2024, Yamandú Orsi, a leader of the progressive Broad Front coalition, won the presidency with 50% of the vote against National Party candidate Álvaro Delgado, who garnered 46%. This victory signifies a significant political realignment and a transformative vision for the future of Uruguay, as the Progressive International Observatory witnessed the electoral process firsthand.
Orsi, a member of the Popular Participation Movement (MPP), is regarded as a successor to former President José ‘Pepe’ Mujica. His campaign focused on inclusivity and progressive reforms, resonating with a populace facing economic inequality, rising crime rates, and the urgent need for action against environmental degradation. As the first president from Uruguay’s interior region, Orsi aims to bridge gaps between urban and rural communities, with support from vice president-elect Carolina Cosse, former mayor of Montevideo.
Orsi is set to assume office on March 1, 2025, embodying a vision for a more equitable Uruguay. This win returns the Broad Front to power after five years of center-right leadership under President Luis Lacalle Pou, illustrating that progressive politics can thrive in challenging contexts when grounded in the people’s needs and aspirations.
With child poverty rates at approximately 25%, addressing inequality is a primary focus for Orsi. His presidency will prioritize increasing social spending, creating job opportunities for youth, and expanding educational scholarships for vulnerable groups. He has indicated intentions to reform the social security system, potentially lowering the retirement age and responding to trade union calls to reduce the standard workweek to 40 hours.
Environmental sustainability also figures prominently in Orsi’s agenda. Uruguay stands as a leader in renewable energy, with over 98% of its electricity derived from renewable sources. Orsi intends to enhance investments in green technologies and foster international partnerships for developing green hydrogen production. His foreign policy will prioritize regional cooperation, particularly through Mercosur, while exercising caution regarding free trade agreements.
The Progressive International expresses its solidarity with Uruguay as the nation embarks on this significant transformation. In other news, the United States has intensified visa restrictions aimed at Cuban healthcare professionals abroad, a move criticized by Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez. He termed it “the seventh measure of unjustified aggression against our population in a month.”
The Sahrawi people commemorated the 49th anniversary of their proclaimed republic, highlighting their ongoing quest for independence despite Moroccan occupation, which receives support from the United States and the European Union. Concurrently, The Solidarity Movement, a white Afrikaner organization, submitted a memo commending the Trump Administration’s stance against South Africa’s land reform initiatives, while the same administration has retracted funds from HIV organizations in response to South Africa’s policies.
This week, the Progressive International co-hosted a conference exploring the implications of sanctions on Cuba, convening experts to discuss their legality and impact. Furthermore, a delegation from the Progressive International communicated with UK Parliament members about the defense of international law regarding Palestine. Daniel Levy, a former Israeli peace negotiator, urged law-abiding states to join efforts that reflect the principles of the “spirit of Bandung” in supporting Palestine.
Globally, a network of far-right entities has emerged, epitomized by the Reactionary International, which operates effectively across various sectors, promoting a far-right agenda. Investigative journalist Matt Kennard provides insights into the mechanisms and successes of this movement in the latest episode of “The International,” a series produced by Jacobin and the Progressive International.
An investigation by The Guardian revealed that listings for accommodations in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank are prevalent on platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb, despite a UN International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion deeming the occupation a violation of international law. The Progressive International’s Watermelon Index is collaborating with labor organizations to challenge Booking.com’s presence in the occupied territories. Lastly, the legacy of Uruguayan artist Gladys Afamado is highlighted in the context of her impactful work in activism through the Montevideo Engraving Club, signaling a tradition of artistic resistance against oppression.
Yamandú Orsi’s victory in Uruguay represents a transformative moment for the nation, with a strong focus on addressing economic inequality and environmental sustainability. The Progressive International supports Orsi’s vision for a more equitable society, while global movements such as those regarding Cuba and Palestine highlight ongoing international struggles against oppression. As political dynamics continue to unfold, the emphasis on solidarity and progressive change remains paramount.
Original Source: progressive.international
