Uruguay elects left-leaning leader as its new president

Overview

Yamandú Orsi, the leftist opposition candidate from the Broad Front (Frente Amplio), won the presidential run-off election in Uruguay on November 24, 2024. He defeated Alvaro Delgado, the candidate from the ruling National Party, with his running mate Carolina Cosse.

Key Points

• Yamandu Orsi and Carolina Cosse won the election, defeating Alvaro Delgado from the ruling National Party.

• The victory of the Broad Front marked a significant shift in Uruguay’s politics, as the party had not held the presidency since 2004.

• Supporters of the Frente Amplio celebrated their victory in the presidential run-off election in Montevideo, Uruguay, on November 24, 2024.

Election Results

• Yamandu Orsi secured just over 49% of the vote, while Alvaro Delgado received around 46%.

• The remaining votes were either blank or abstained.

Orsi’s Platform

• Despite his promise to lead a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi’s platform is largely similar to the previous government.

• His policies include tax incentives, social security reforms, and no radical overhaul sought by Uruguay’s unions.

• He has also pledged to scupper a trade agreement with China that was pursued by the outgoing president.

Orsi’s Vision for Uruguay

• Orsi has struck a conciliatory tone, promising to build a more integrated society and country.

• His government will take office on March 1, 2025, and is expected to focus on improving working conditions, health, and salaries for Uruguayans.

Reaction from the United States and Argentina

• The United States and neighboring Argentina have taken notice of Orsi’s win, which marks a return of the Broad Front that governed for 15 consecutive years until the 2019 election of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou.

• This development has significant implications for regional politics and trade agreements.

Quotes from Key Figures

• “I think it takes a while to come to terms with.” – Yamandú Orsi on his win

• “He was focused on criticizing the Frente Amplio (Broad Front) rather than giving a positive vision of what his government would do. It was a fear-based campaign that did not satisfy enough voters.” – Nicolás Saldías, Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the Economist Intelligence Unit