Lorena Quintanaa relatively new figure in Uruguayan politics, is now in the national spotlight as the party’s vice-presidential candidate. Open Council (CA), led by Guido Manini Ríos.
With a background deeply rooted in Christian values and an ultra-conservative vision, Quintana presents himself as a decidedly conservative voice. Opponent to the current human rights agenda in Uruguay.
Born in Colonia, Lorena Quintana grew up in an environment steeped in Christian values, which, in her own words, have never faded in her adult life. At the age of 17, she moved to Montevideo to study Medicine at the University of the Republic.
During those formative years, Quintana not only earned a doctorate in Family and Community Medicine, but also completed several postgraduate courses in addictions and drug policy.
Since 2020, she has served as director of the Adolescence and Youth Program of the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), where she has been a strong promoter of family policy and traditional Christian values.
Manini Ríos sees her as a “great professional” who aligns herself with the fundamental pillars of Cabildo Abierto, especially on issues related to the family. The appointment has generated debates and rifts within the party, and some see it as a “mistake” that she was chosen by the candidate.
An activist for religious values in a secular country
Quintana founded the National Christian Encounter sector, with the aim of “defending and promoting” Christian values in Uruguayan politics.
In an interview on Radio Oriental, he expressed his desire to build a network to fight what she sees as a rights agenda which contravenes the traditional values of Uruguayan society. Their vision is clear: to occupy political spaces to counteract recent advances in social rights.
Among these values, without a doubt, is, for example, the right to abortion, to equal marriage, and others that have been acquired through social and political legislative struggles.
In his role within the MSP, Quintana has promoted programs such as Strong Families, an initiative aimed at family cohesion and support, which began with some controversy due to its religious connectionsIn November 2020, the Ministry of Defense withdrew from the agreement related to this program, citing concerns about its religious connection.
Quintana and his opposition to the acquired rights agenda
Quintana does not hide his opposition to various policies that have been implemented in Uruguay in recent years.
At an event of the Catholic Church in Montevideo, he harshly criticized the regulation of cannabis, calling it a “serious mistake.” He also expressed his disapproval of the tendency of some political sectors to legalize other drugs, such as cocaine.
Quintana has also been a vocal critic of the decriminalization of abortion, which she has linked to the low birth rate in the country. She argues that there is a predominant cultural attitude that disdains motherhood and celebrates the achievements of women and minorities in a way that she believes is disproportionate.
In her statements, she points out that being a mother is “beautiful” and questions when and why Uruguayan society began to consider motherhood as a burden.
It also opposes diversity and parity.
Quintana also strongly criticizes other political parties, both left and right, for their support of sexual diversity and gender parity..
Rejects the policies of abortion and euthanasia promoted by the Colorado Party and the gender ideology that, according to her, has been imposed on Uruguayan education, suggesting that Cabildo Abierto is the “only party” that defends family values.
Even within Cabildo Abierto, Lorena Quintana is not a figure exempt from controversy. Her nomination as a candidate for vice president has caused discontent among some party leaders who believe that gender parity was privileged when choosing her.
Quintana, however, maintains that she was not chosen because she is a woman, but because of her experience and work, and argues that Cabildo Abierto opposed the parity law in the Senate.
Cabildo Abierto has yet to confirm her as a vice presidential candidate
Next Sunday, Cabildo Abierto will hold its national convention to ratify Quintana’s candidacy. Although he faces competition from Rosanna de Olivera and Rafael Menéndez, the absolute majority of votes appears to be in his favor, according to reports.
For Quintana, the repercussions within the party are an expected challenge, but he is confident that the differences will be smoothed out over time.
