Yamandu Orsi, Uruguay’s newly elected president, is a 57-year-old former history teacher and local mayor who won the second round of the November election, securing 49.8% of the vote. Representing the left-leaning Broad Front coalition, Orsi unseated the conservative government, defeating Alvaro Delgado of the center-right National Party. Orsi, who campaigned on a message of modernizing the left, aims to tackle key issues like poverty, homelessness, and rising crime, particularly fueled by changes in cocaine smuggling routes.
A key focus of his leadership will be balancing social welfare with economic growth, and he has pledged to avoid tax hikes despite a growing deficit. While Orsi’s platform is moderate, he has earned support from both left-wing and moderate groups, including former president José “Pepe” Mujica, who praised his ability to bridge political divides. Orsi’s leadership style is folksy and pragmatic, mirroring Mujica’s humble approach, often seen with his casual dress and mate tea in hand.
Despite some concerns about his decisiveness, Orsi’s practical experience and calls for national dialogue have resonated with voters. His mayoral tenure in Canelones saw him attract international investment, including from companies like Google. He plans to strengthen Uruguay’s prison system and collaborate with Europe on drug crime. Having grown up under Uruguay’s 1973-1985 dictatorship, Orsi’s political journey began after the country’s return to democracy in 1984, a pivotal moment that shaped his vision for the future of Uruguay.
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