The former president Jose Mujicaat an event in honor of the late former vice president Danilo Astoriexpressed a feeling of debt for not promoting him as a presidential candidate. During the ceremony at the Seregni Footprint, Mujica highlighted the importance of Astori in Uruguayan politics and how he should have achieved the presidency for his courage and contributions.
“Astori is an unforgettable colleague for whom I should have fought to be a presidential candidate, and I did not want to fight with my colleagues. But I feel a debt inside my heart”Mujica declared in an interview with Telemundo. The former president emphasized that Uruguay “should have had Astori as president,” lamenting that “sometimes life is like that.”
Tributes from the Frente Amplio to a historical leader
The event was led by the presidential candidate Yamandu Orsiwho, praising Astori, highlighted his powerful legacy and his skill in economic issues. Orsi mentioned that the former vice president left a creative and pedagogical mark that continues to influence the economic thinking of the Front.
He cited the significant advances achieved during the Frente Amplio governments.. “When it was our turn to be a government and when it had the leading role in leading the economy, it was not only that moment where the pendulum swung in time and in the moment of the progressive left, but also, throughout the entire history of the 20th century and part of the 21st century, we can recognize that we have never advanced so much, with such intensity and for so long, as in the times when the Front was the government and Danilo was the central protagonist,” Orsi highlighted. This recognition reflected Astori’s impact on national politics.
Mujica’s words in the face of Bianchi’s criticism
Mujica also addressed the criticism of Graciela Bianchiultraconservative senator of the National Partywho at a press conference in Florida questioned the Frente Amplio for, according to her, exploiting the image of a “dying Mujica”.
“They put his teeth in and out when they need to to make him feel sorry,” Bianchi said. Although retired from public life for health reasons, Mujica issued a message criticizing the government for imposing “a de facto tax” by freezing salaries and pensions for 40 months.
In response to said criticism, Mujica remembered Bianchi kindly, sharing a memory from when she was director of the Liceo Bauzá. “She was a kind lady and I want to keep that memory,” said the former president.
The context of the broad front according to Bianchi
Bianchi expressed concern about the absence of leaders within the Frente Amplio, mentioning historical figures who are no longer present in active politics. He compared the movement’s past with its current situation, where he observes a lack of leadership that he considers detrimental to democracy. His statements came during a tour of Florida and reflected harsh criticism of the left-wing coalition. “I come from a Frente Amplio where there were leaders. One of the dangerous things for the democratic system is that at this moment the Front has no leaders,” Bianchi noted. In his opinion, the image of Mujica used to “give pity” colors the political campaign with an unwanted tone.
Reflections on political leadership
Bianchi continued his criticism by focusing on what he described as a political “agony” within the Front, which in his opinion affects the representation and image that the party projects to the citizens. He highlighted that the current electoral campaign does not reflect what the Uruguayan people deserve, suggesting that the party must reconsider its approach and leadership. This critical vision raised questions about the future of the Frente Amplio and its electoral strategy. Meanwhile, the legacy of figures like Mujica and Astori continues to inspire debates about leadership and representation in Uruguayan politics.
