“If you think a little bit, we are not promoting a change, we are defending the democratic traditions of the country.” This is how the mayor of Montevideo, Carolina Cosse, expressed herself this Saturday, leading a tour of Maldonado in defense of the repeal of the 135 articles of the Law of Urgent Consideration (LUC) that will be submitted to a referendum on March 27.
Outside of his official duties, Cosse spent a good part of the day participating in caravans and events in various cities of the department. In the company of the Frente Amplio senator Oscar Andrade (PCU), the community chief visited Aiguá, Pan de Azúcar, Piriápolis and San Carlos.
In this framework, he assured that the 135 articles that are to be repealed “They are the worst” of the questioned law. They are, precisely, “those who walk above the best democratic traditions of Uruguay”.
According to his vision, many citizens, from all parties, agree with this. “We are talking about the Varelian traditions, artiguistas, batllistas”, he pointed. “The best of the National Party, of social organizations, of workers, of feminisms.”
To underline this concept, he cited some examples of those traditions. “We are defending the best, such as compulsory education” he said, referring to one of the points that generate more differences and conflicting opinions between supporters and opponents of the law. “It must be clear that education will continue to be compulsory, to the letter”, the mayor pointed out.
The tone of the mayor’s speech went through building bridges, with the idea that the result of the popular consultation exceeds partisan issues. “Of this, I know something. The best things that have been done in this country, was when we all got together,” assured.
In this sense, he recounted some personal experience in public management. For example, with the installation of fiber optics by Antel. “We never ask anyone what they voted for,” assured. “We put in one neighborhood and another too, without asking anyone if they were poor, rich or who they had voted for. We get the best out of arguing with each other.”
That is why he now considered “so important” the opportunity to discuss ahead of the March 27 referendum, thanks to the fact that “800,000 wills made it possible” to define “how we want this law to be.”
Cosse called for achieving something fundamental, admitting that it will be difficult: that this referendum does not divide Uruguayans. The mayor of the capital considered that the country is not facing an advertising campaign or great speeches, but reflection. That is why she urged to debate and talk “in good faith” with eventual voters of No.
There he made a warning about the campaign in favor of the law. “Many times articles are invoked that are not there,” among the 135 that are wanted to be repealed.
In his speech, Cosse called to defend the yes campaign with a civic spirit and construction. “We are on the side of truth and we are going to maintain the good democratic climate,” express. “Nothing is going to divert us from this course.”
“Democracy is better if there is discussion,” he said. “We have to go with the truth and with information.” “We are not talking about this government, or the Broad Front, or the next government,” he said. “We are talking about what is going to be written in the law. One direction or the other.”
Cosse insisted: this is a common task. “Let’s not fall into the trap of polarization,” he asked his supporters. Yes, act with a lot of passion and heart. “Let’s not fall into provocations, because ours is civilization, ours is progress. For something, we are progressive”, concluded.
