At an event held at the Driver Protection Center, Frente Amplio presidential candidate Yamandú Orsi addressed recent allegations about the commission of a disinformation campaign. During the press conference, Orsi referred to the accusations made by the Colorado Party candidate, Andrés Ojeda, who pointed out an Orsi advisor as responsible for a “dirty campaign of embezzlement and fake news” against him.
Orsi, with a serious tone, denied any involvement in such actions and stated that in situations where fake news spreads, the right thing to do is to report it. “We cannot allow that, in Uruguay not everything goes,” he commented emphatically, underlining his commitment to the truth during the electoral process.
In his appearance, Orsi recalled how, at the beginning of his campaign, was the subject of complaintswithout him having held anyone responsible. He stressed the need to approach these accusations with caution because of the personal pain they can inflict. He assured that he completely distances himself from any false news and flatly rejects the dissemination of information without real foundations.
Orsi against “contamination from external practices”
When asked if he planned to file a formal complaint against Ojeda for these claims, Orsi was skeptical and suggested that such action would not align with his vision for the political campaign. “No, how am I going to file a complaint about that. “We are in an electoral campaign, I like the usual electoral campaign, the Uruguayan style,” explained, noting that he prefers clean politics and without the “contamination of external practices”.
The candidate added that the speed with which he was accused is “very strange” and equated it to a public spectacle, similar to what he described as “a circus never seen before” in recent events. Despite the criticism, Orsi recognized Ojeda’s right to file complaints, if he considers he has evidence of his claims.
Interactions with external advice
Another controversy that arose in this context is Orsi’s alleged relationship with the Argentine advisor Mario Riorda, who participates in his electoral campaign. Orsi admitted knowing Riorda since last elections and, although he denies any evidence of the advisor’s involvement in the reported events, he emphasized his availability to cooperate and his solidarity if the falsehoods are proven.
The exchange of accusations between the candidates highlights the growing tension in this electoral contest. The public discussion about ethics in political campaigns takes center stage, reflecting Orsi’s concern for a campaign free of disinformation. These types of controversies reiterate the political challenges facing all parties as elections approach.
