The Argentine Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa, caused controversy when he declared at a press conference that Uruguay is “one of the younger brothers” of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). His words were delivered in the framework of the visit of the Brazilian government to Argentina for the summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
“I think that Uruguay is one of the smaller brothers of Mercosur and Brazil and Argentina have the responsibility of taking care of it, like all smaller brothers”assured Massa in front of the press.
Uruguay’s National Party senator Sebastián Da Silva responded to Massa on Twitter, thanking him for his comments and offering Uruguay’s Economy Minister Azucena Arbeleche’s phone number so they could talk. “Thank you @SergioMassa. But I don’t think any Uruguayan wants to be careful with an economy minister who has a dollar trading at 350 pesos. I’ll give you the phone number of Azucena Arbeleche privately. Call her and she will give you some sensible advice, ”the white legislator tweeted.
Conflicts between Uruguayan and Argentine authorities have intensified due to the Uruguayan government’s intentions to open up to the world and make MERCOSUR more flexible.
