Currently, in the Republican Coalitionwho is preparing to participate in the departmental elections in May, the only certainty is that Martin Lemaleader of the Fresh Air sector of the National Partywill be a candidate for mayor. The decision that the former minister be the only candidate was made on December 20 by the nationalist convention of Montevideo.
Since then, his team has been working on a campaign aimed at “opportunity”: compete against the Frente Amplio focusing on politics in its most essential sense, with city management as the main axis. Meanwhile, Lema and his allies are closely watching the left’s internal discussions, even without defined candidates officially, although names are mentioned such as Mario Bergara.
Alliances and Strategic Dialogues
In addition, Lema remains attentive to the allied parties of the ruling coalition, since they will have a great influence. His objective is clear: with the Constitution allowing three candidates per party for mayors, Lema aspires for the Republican Coalition to present a complete list. To do this, the Colorado Party must select its candidate, a task in progress.
The general secretary of the Colorado Party, Andrés Ojeda, highlighted that “it is better to have three candidates instead of one.” However, this task has not been easy. Names have been mentioned within the party, but no definitive options have been consolidated. Jorge Barrera was one of the main names, but legal barriers were found that stopped his possible candidacy.
Panorama of the Independent Party
As for the Independent Partywho had the right to a third candidate by obtaining 26,392 votes in Montevideo, decided not to present a candidate. “We are in dialogue with Lema and his team to explore the possibility of supporting him,” explained Pablo Mieres, leader of the Independent Party, indicating that the dialogue seeks to establish agreements on the program and the lists.
Mieres added the interest in ensuring “representation at the departmental government level, either in the Board or within the Municipality of Montevideo, in case of victory.” At the same time, Eduardo Lustof the Environmental Constitutional Partyjoined the campaign in support of Martín Lema, showing the “coalitionist spirit” after the defeat in the November 24 runoff.
Although Lust’s Party received only 5,609 votes in the capital, its endorsement of Lema is symbolically valuable, representing unity within the coalition. These movements are part of the ongoing strategies and negotiations within the Republican Coalition, where the consolidation of support and the coordination of campaigns are essential to face the next electoral challenges.
