Uruguay’s ability to generate long-term agreements has been praised by former president Julio María Sanguinetti, who compared the country’s situation to neighboring Argentina. During a discussion organized by SearchSanguinetti, along with former president José Mujica, expressed in a humorous tone: “One goes to Buenos Aires and returns swollen. It seems that we are a superior race, something strange”.
Sanguinetti’s comment arose as a result of a counterpoint with Mujica, who stated that in Uruguay there was no room for long-term agreements. “This is not left, right or center. This is being an idiot!” Mujica said, according to what was reported by the outlet.
Sanguinetti, for his part, did not agree with this position and offered examples to support his opinion: “From Conaprole to the forestry policy that changed the productive matrix of the country.” Furthermore, he added: “There is not a bad experience to find these paths. For some reason, outsiders see us better than we see ourselves.”
Advice for Orsi and Delgado in the run-up to the electoral campaign
Regarding the political dialogue and the situation in Argentina, Sanguinetti and Mujica offered advice to two possible presidential candidates, Yamandú Orsi and Álvaro Delgado (Broad Front and National Party, respectively)who were present at the event.
Mujica urged the applicants not to take the differences personally: “That they not be offended in their human intimacy, that they disagree with everything they have to disagree with. You can disagree and fight over very serious things and keep an open thread for us. We are three million and little and getting older. And there are luxuries that we cannot afford. We can criticize Argentina a lot, but it has other possibilities that we don’t have, ”he assured.
For his part, Sanguinetti echoed the importance of communication in politics: “In addition to speaking hand in hand, we have to speak in public because public awareness is fundamental.” He also added:In politics, the straight line is never the shortest path between two points. That is the challenge of the politician. There will always be necessary zigzags imposed by reality. The key is not to lose sight of the ultimate goal and to keep an eye on the long term”.
Both ex-presidents agreed on the need to reduce noise and confrontation, fostering a space for constructive dialogue. “There is plenty of noise and pavement and there is a lack of bowling alleys, there is a lack of talk, that this has been a tradition in this country,” Mujica emphasized.
The event concluded with a call to reflection on the importance of establishing lasting agreements in Uruguayan politics, and highlighted the need to maintain an open and respectful dialogue as a basis for the progress and well-being of society.
