On a recent visit to Buenos Aires, Yamandú Orsi and Carolina Cossecandidates for president and vice president of the Broad Front (FA)shared with the newspaper Página12 their perspectives on the upcoming 2024 elections and the expectations of the Uruguayan electorate.
They are aware that the electoral landscape is competitive, but they have also registered strong support from the electorate, with the pollster Cifra placing the Frente Amplio with 44% voting intentioncompared to 24% of Alvaro Delgadocandidate of the National Party and dolphin of the current president Luis Lacalle Pou.
The election is close: the FA does not let its guard down
Orsi begins the conversation by acknowledging that, although the polls are favorable, “that is not enough.” He emphasizes that in Uruguay, elections are usually close, leading the FA to focus on a vote by vote to ensure a victory. “We need to show that we are willing to govern again”, he states.
For his part, Cosse maintains that, despite the competition, unity is essential. “We Uruguayans have a common history. Our message is one of unity”, he emphasizes, recognizing that the polls may vary.
When discussing the possible elections in October, Cosse shows confidence, expressing that they are convinced that they will achieve a parliamentary majority. Orsi adds that although the vote could be important, the key lies in the composition of parliament which will be crucial for the future. Both agree that popular support is essential, but they also insist on the need for a strong and cohesive presentation of their proposals.
The search for support on all battle fronts
An issue of notable importance is the “48 points” plan that they recently presented. Orsi explains that these points are divided into three levels: immediate measures, structural measures, and state policies that require the consensus of other actors.
Immediate priorities include support for students at the Primary and Secondary levelsas well as the review of social protection policies. “We need to ground the FA program in concrete actions that can be implemented immediately,” says Orsi, making it clear that these proposals do not replace the party’s broader program, but are immediate responses to current needs.
Orsi also responds to citizen interest in pension reform. Cosse emphasizes that the current legislation is problematic and that, from the FA, they will support the plebiscite promoted by the PIT-CNT, which seeks to modify the law. She comments that there are coincidences between the FA program and the postulates of the plebiscite, but warns that you cannot vote for something that does not have the necessary social support. “Reforms must have a minimum consensus,” he says, referring to the importance of social dialogue.
Both candidates are clear in their program and the strategy they will develop if elected. They emphasize the importance of an FA government focused on social inclusion and overcoming poverty, as well as promoting a solid dialogue with all sectors of society and the international community. “We think of an inclusive Uruguay, with social policies that reach everyone,” says Orsi, while Cosse adds that “ideological differences must be put in the background in favor of the interests of the Uruguayan people.”
Regarding his recent meeting with the Uruguayan community in Argentina, Orsi mentions that The Uruguayan diaspora is very involved and activerequesting attention and support from a distance. He highlights that communication with them is vital, since many feel the impact of the distance and the difficulties of military from abroad.
Uruguay’s relationship with its neighboring countries is also crucial in its approaches. Orsi mentions that, despite the ideological difference of the governments in Argentina and Brazilthis situation can be an opportunity for Uruguay. It proposes that Uruguay can play a coordinating role in Mercosur, saying that “Governments pass, but states remain.” Cosse supports this idea, emphasizing that foreign policy should focus on defending the interests of Uruguay and the region, beyond personal relationships between leaders.
