Irene Moreira’s decision to lead a current to the Senate has intensified the repercussions within Cabildo Abierto. This strategy could cause a division in the sectors most loyal to the party leader, Guido Manini Ríos. According to political observers, these internal movements could redefine alliances and weaken previous agreements.
Domenech’s camp has expressed reluctance to form a sub-lemma with “Todos con Manini”, led by Moreira. Instead, they are more inclined to an agreement with the “Adelante” group, led by deputy Rafael Menéndez. This suggests a growing gap between internal factions, according to party sources.
Uncertainty in CA: possible alliances and strategies in play
In Moreira’s entourage, many were confident that Manini Ríos would intervene to force an agreement with Domenech. The expectation was that a consensus would be reached on a common sub-lemma, supported by the dynamics observed in the recent party congress. However, the lack of confirmation from Domenech keeps the negotiations open.
Domenech told El Observador: “All negotiations are open.” During the June primaries, the former minister had aligned herself with the Loyalty and Unity Column, led by Domenech, through a list in Artigas. However, the current situation seems to indicate a distancing in their respective strategies.
Moreira: from the ministry to the political scene of Artigas
After leaving the Housing Ministry, Moreira focused his efforts on the department of Artigas, strengthening his local influence. In this region, rumors indicated that Manini Ríos had promised that Moreira would not run for the Senate. However, his recent decision has generated surprise and mixed reactions within the party.
Senator Domenech commented on the matter: “That was what she had planned (to run for Artigas).” The decision to promote her senatorial candidacy changed the political scenario, with pre-existing campaigns designed for a nomination to the Chamber of Deputies. This has generated strategic adjustments in her support group.
“Everyone with Manini”: new additions and renewed support
The creation of the group “Todos con Manini” by Moreira has brought together four deputies from his inner circle. These have been his most fervent defenders after President Lacalle Pou asked him to resign. This movement recalibrated the balance of power within the party ranks, establishing new dynamics.
Domenech, with his alliance with Lorena Quintana (National Christian Encounter), has consolidated a significant support base. In the primaries, this coalition captured almost half of the votes of the councillors. Meanwhile, Moreira suffered a defeat in Artigas against the Espacio de los Pueblos Libres, which increased internal tension.
Future scenarios: political impact in the Senate
The lack of agreement between Domenech and Moreira could open opportunities for the Espacio de los Pueblos Libres (Free Peoples Space). This group, second in the primaries, could secure a senatorial seat if Cabildo Abierto achieves a sufficient presence. As critics of Manini’s leadership, they advocate for the “original values” of the party, which rekindles the internal debate.
In parallel, Domenech admitted to talks with other sectors, including Adelante. In this group, deputies Menéndez, Camargo, Caballero and Testa indicated their rejection of a coalition with Moreira. Deputy Cal has recently joined their ranks, reinforcing Menéndez’s group.
Domenech and Manini’s public commitment
The “Adelante” sector has asked Manini Ríos to make a public commitment on how he would occupy potential senatorial seats. Faced with the possibility of leading both lists, Manini stated: “I will enter through the list that obtains the most seats in the upper house and, with equal seats between two lists, I will enter through the one that has the fewest votes.”
Manini also clarified that there is no “official list.” In response to premature proclamations, he stated: “All the lists headed by Guido Manini Ríos are the official list.” This clarification seeks to mitigate internal misunderstandings and speculation.
With less than two months to go before the primaries, polls suggest lower support than in 2019. The Cabildo Abierto primaries remain dynamic, marked by shifting alliances and intensified political strategy. As the party prepares for elections, the focus is on maintaining cohesion while dealing with the diversity of internal opinions.
