The former candidate of Colorado Party (PC), Andres Ojedaspoke out against a possible triumph of the Broad Front (FA) in the upcoming runoff, stating that this could put Uruguay on a path similar to that of Venezuela. During his speech at an event in Tacuarembó, Ojeda highlighted the lack of opposition leaders who can act as “firewalls” against the FA policies, referring to the legacy of the former minister. Danilo Astoriwho recently passed away.
Ojeda described the current Frente Amplio as a different entity from the one that governed for 15 years, arguing that at that time there were key figures who moderated decisions, which does not happen today. “This takes us directly to Venezuela,” he emphasized.
The former candidate also stressed that the FA obtained less electoral support than expected, while the Republican Coalition exceeded advance projections. “They are good at storytelling,” he said, suggesting that they construct narratives that transform defeats into victories. According to Ojeda, the FA is in a situation where it urgently needs to gather 90,000 votes to ensure its victory.
Ojeda tries to relativize additions to the FA that came from the right
Ojeda also referred to the recent additions of figures to the FAexpressing that he does not consider relevant those that he does not recognize without having to search for them on the internet. “When they add someone I know without having to Google, I will see it as progress,” he declared.
As the second round approaches, Yamandú Orsi, FA candidate, will try to establish an image of consensus and collaboration beyond his party, seeking to attract leaders from other political forces as part of his strategy. Recently, Orsi announced the support of several former leaders, including the former security secretary of the National Party, Victor Björgan Barriosand the former candidate of the Colorado Party, Zaida González Legnani.
For his part, Ojeda, during an event in Florida, highlighted that despite the FA’s attempts to create a narrative about the loss of votes in the Republican Coalition, the numbers show that they are the ones who need to capture those votes. He reiterated the idea that those who elected him in the previous elections will also support the coalition candidate, Álvaro Delgado, in the runoff. “There was no escape, there is no escape and there will be no escape,” Ojeda concluded, reaffirming his commitment to coalitionist politics in Uruguay.
