The presidential authorization for the relocation of certain gas stations in Uruguay has rekindled the debate in the country’s energy sector. The measure gives the green light to establishments linked to political figures of the National Partysparking criticism from opponents who question the legality and ethics of this procedure.
Originally, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM)under the direction of former minister Omar Paganinihad denied the relocation of some stations, despite the approval of the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Unit (Ursea). In September 2023, the MIEM decision was questioned by stakeholders in the sector.
Legal dispute over authorization: the National Party in the middle
However, upon taking over the reins of the ministry, Elisa Facio announced her intention to authorize these relocations, which caused unrest among businessmen in the area. Journalist Eduardo Preve exposed in his column, “La Tapadita,” that some stations were being built “illegally,” including those linked to figures from the National Party.
The controversial cases include a station in Río Negro, linked to a nephew of Mayor Omar Lafluf, and others in Canelones related to Adrián Silva, substitute senator for Javier García. Despite the initial rejection of the MIEM, the constructions continued, which generated confusion among those affected.
At a press conference, Elisa Facio explained that new authorizations were planned for the stations in question. One notable request is that of Ferbra SRL, where Silva seeks to move a station from Santa Rosa to Route 11.
⛽️ IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CAMPAIGN
🔴President Lacalle authorized the service stations of Senator Javier García’s substitute and director of TCP (Adrián Silva, PN), and of the nephew of the white mayor Omar Lafluf (PN) that former minister Paganini had refused to install in Canelones and Río… pic.twitter.com/Cm9IgQNwXd
— Eduardo Preve (@EPreve) September 20, 2024
Legal criticism of the presidential decision
Pablo Donnangeloa lawyer for some of the affected companies, told a local newspaper that “there is no legal basis for approving this transfer,” criticizing the MIEM’s decision to reverse Paganini’s ruling. Donnángelo suggested that the resolution seeks to benefit political leaders and considers legal action in this regard.
This Friday, it was revealed that President Luis Lacalle Pou signed a resolution on September 12, reversing the MIEM’s previous refusal on the relocations. This allows for the new locations for the stations related to Adrián Silva and the nephew of Mayor Lafayette, generating concern in opposition sectors.
