Yamandu Orsi was inaugurated as the president of Uruguay, marking a transition to leftist governance. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of democracy and paid tribute to his mentor, Jose Mujica. With a favorable approval rating, Orsi faces significant challenges, including managing a divided parliament and addressing pressing social concerns amid a robust economic foundation.
Yamandu Orsi was inaugurated as the president of Uruguay, marking a return to leftist governance after five years under the center-right leadership of his predecessor, Luis Lacalle Pou. With Uruguay celebrating four decades of uninterrupted democracy, Orsi emphasized the importance of democratic health linked to well-being standards during his speech at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo.
In his address, Orsi, age 57, expressed gratitude towards his mentor, former president Jose “Pepe” Mujica, who supported Orsi’s campaign despite battling esophageal cancer. Orsi, now serving a five-year term, outlined his priorities including economic protection, addressing drug-related crime, and pursuing sustainable development.
Orsi becomes the ninth president since the end of a civil-military dictatorship in 1985, acknowledging the lingering effects from that tumultuous era. He asserted the necessity to uphold freedom, truth, and justice to prevent similar abuses of power in the future, reflecting on the significance of validating democratic principles.
Supporters of Orsi celebrated his arrival in office, expressing optimism regarding the state of the nation. Cecilia Riera, age 42, articulated relief, stating, “We have been waiting for this for five years,” referring to growing concerns regarding social issues and security in the country.
As he begins his presidency, Orsi boasts a favorable approval rating of 44 percent, as per Opcion Consultores. His inauguration attracted representatives from over 60 nations, and he solidified ties with fellow leftist leaders from Brazil, Chile, and Colombia during a ceremonial barbecue.
Despite the support of his Broad Front coalition controlling the Senate, Orsi will encounter challenges in navigating a divided parliament and addressing internal coalition tensions. Experts warn that he will face increasing pressure to balance social demands with fiscal responsibility amidst economic concerns, including a predicted growth decline due to ongoing drought conditions. However, economist Arturo Porzecanski recognized that Orsi inherits a fundamentally robust economy.
Yamandu Orsi’s inauguration represents a significant political shift in Uruguay, returning the nation to leftist governance after years of center-right leadership. His tenure is marked by ambitious promises to address crucial social issues while maintaining economic stability. Despite challenges ahead due to a divided parliament and internal coalition dynamics, many observers believe Orsi is well-equipped to navigate these complexities as he embarks on his presidency.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
