The senator Daniel Caggianifrom the Broad Front, met with the Minister of Communication of Brazil, Paulo Pepperon the border Rivera – Santana do Livramento. During the meeting, which is part of a tour of the 609 list through the border department, Caggiani criticized the foreign policy of the government of Luis Lacalle Pou.
Caggiani He argued that the current government has shown a lack of leadership in maintaining a high-level bilateral agenda not only with Brazil, but also with Argentina. The senator stressed that these limitations negatively impact strategic areas, such as the Rivera binational airport.
Binational airport under scrutiny
Caggiani highlighted the binational airport in Rivera as an achievement of the current government in its relationship with Brazil. However, he stated that the terminal “is not fulfilling its function as such,” since Brazilian flights that have arrived have not benefited from Brazilian or binational fares on domestic flights.
Caggiani questioned the reasons why these benefits have not been realized: “What is happening? Why has this not been realized?” He emphasized that the government has made big announcements, but has lacked the management to carry them out.
Challenges in policy management
The senator said that “things happen not only with announcements but with working teams that also put forward solutions to the problems that arise.” He criticized the government for not moving forward with the proposals that Brazil, under Lula’s leadership, has put on the table.
In this context, Caggiani stressed the need for the Uruguayan government to take effective measures. He commented that the country has had difficulty making progress on detailed issues, which he considers an aspect that should be prioritized to improve border cooperation.
The border as a space for exchange
Caggiani suggested that border issues should not be addressed only during election times. He stressed the importance of implementing policies that treat the border as a “space of exchange,” where people live and work on both sides.
The senator stressed that an approach is needed that considers these areas as places where people contribute and retire in different countries, adapting policies to this reality.
Proposal for a differential statute
The Frente Amplio senator believes that it is essential to move towards a differential border statusHe suggested that “these places must also be spaces where Uruguayans and Brazilians are allowed to have a different status.”
Despite some progress in Mercosur on the complement of border cities, Caggiani believes progress must be made in creating a statute that reflects the unique reality of the border region.
Security problems in Rivera
Caggiani also addressed the insecurity problems facing the city of Rivera. He mentioned that the city has “the highest homicide rates in the country“and faces problems of trafficking, smuggling, extreme child poverty, and violence.
The senator said that these problems are discussed but rarely addressed: “These are problems that are undoubtedly talked about a lot and little is done.” He stressed the need for the next government to focus on resolving these issues.
To resolve border issues, Caggiani proposed that the next government establish a high-level negotiating group. This group, he suggests, should be led by the President of the Republic to ensure the right approach to these critical issues.
