For the first time since their defeat in the November 24 runoff, the coalition candidates Álvaro Delgado and Valeria Ripoll They met to address the future from the opposition. During an event at Corner of the Hillthey reflected on the electoral campaign and discussed how they will face the challenge of being a constructive opposition to the new Frente Amplio government. This place seems to be intentionally symbolic since the former president resides in that area. Jose Mujica and his partner, the former senator and former vice president Lucia Topolansky.
Delgado described the electoral defeat as a painful blow, but affirmed that he feels at peace for not having compromised his principles. He highlighted the conversion towards a more active role as a militant, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation within the National Party. Ripoll, for its part, agreed on this collaborative approachstating that only by generating agreements can long-term goals be achieved.
The new era of the National Party
Delgado, who will assume the position of senator, stressed that the party will become a “loyal, responsible and constructive” oppositionwith the commitment to defend the freedoms and rights acquired during the outgoing government. Furthermore, he identified three crucial challenges: maintaining unity within the coalition, winning new mayoralties, and rebuilding the party for future elections.
During the event, the leaders emphasized the importance of continuing to work for the departmental elections in May. Delgado stressed that guaranteeing the success of the National Party at the departmental level will contribute not only to local strengthening, but also to balancing power at the national level.
Looking to a new political future
Ripoll, visibly moved, reiterated her confidence in Delgado’s abilities through her words on social networks: “what president we missed”. He anticipated a Frente Amplio government with skepticism, but pledged with his party to be vigilant and ensure that the new government fulfills its electoral promises.
The event also revealed internal tensions within the party, such as the exchange of criticism between Senator Sebastián Da Silva and the mayor of Paysandú, Nicolás Olivera. However, these internal challenges were presented as part of a natural process in the party’s evolution towards greater cohesion.
They promise to be a “counterweight” as the opposition
The coalition stressed that, even without presidential power, can be an influential force at the departmental level. Delgado emphasized the need to maintain and win new municipalities, especially in Montevideo, Canelones and Salto, to serve as a counterweight to the national government.
This strategy seeks not only to improve the situation of the departments, which according to Delgado have “failed” in some aspects of managementbut also to consolidate strong local leadership that can be leveraged for future national elections.
