In a political context of great expectations, the Frente Amplio has outlined a series of priority social policies that require an investment equivalent to 0.7% of Uruguay’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to Gabriel Oddoneappointed as future Minister of Economy in case Yamandú Orsi be chosen president, These measures are crucial to address the growing inequality in the country. In his recent statements, Oddone stressed that more than 300,000 peopleincluding around 168,000 boys and girlscurrently do not have adequate social protection.
The FA highlights the importance of education in reducing poverty
Among the Frente Amplio’s proposals are direct monetary transfers and the doubling of scholarships for secondary school students. These actions are part of the efforts to keep young people within the educational system, a central objective of the Frente Amplio’s government strategy.
Oddone, who was presented as a candidate for Minister of Economy, reaffirmed these goals during an interview with Sarandí radio, emphasizing the need to implement these policies without delay.
Economic and political urgency
Oddone has specified that the aforementioned social policies represent an expenditure of 0.7 percentage points of Uruguay’s GDP, which is equivalent to approximately 800 million dollars. “It is done or it is done,” he declared emphatically in reference to the urgency of implementing these measures, even in the context of a plebiscite that could complicate the current pension reforms.
Oddone believes that tackling inequality is “indispensable and urgent” and has criticised the current government’s economic management, accusing it of having increased economic inequality, partly due to its policies.
Challenges of the plebiscite and the economic future
With a view to the country’s economic future, Oddone analyzed the potential impact of a plebiscite on social security. During a conference, he stressed that although this challenge could complicate the government’s agenda, it would not represent an insurmountable obstacle.
“It will be a more complex scenario, but it is not the end of the world,” He also said that the recent rise of the dollar, which exceeded 42 pesos, was one of the usual phenomena during electoral cycles, attributing it to a “typical movement of capital.”
Comprehensive vision of the Ministry of Economy
Gabriel Oddone has outlined his vision for the Ministry of Economy in a Frente Amplio government, suggesting an administration oriented towards “the quality of life of people, especially the most humble and the salaried.”
According to his statement, some 180,000 people, including children, living below the poverty line will be a central pillar of his economic policy. The aim is to broaden the scope of social protection policies without compromising the quality of life of those who currently benefit from these measures.
Regarding fiscal policy, Oddone clarified that “the agenda discussed is not assuming the need to increase taxes,” although he remained flexible in the face of possible international changes in the tax area. He considered that, although the Frente Amplio government does not have a substantial reform of the tax model as its objective, they must adjust to the relevant global changes.
Oddone also mentioned the proposed priority measures, which would represent an expenditure allocation of 1% of GDP, supported by projected economic growth and a fiscal restructuring that includes the reallocation of subsidies.
