The Uruguayan political panorama prior to the runoff is shaken by a series of unexpected announcements: relevant figures of the multicolor coalition have publicly declared their support for the candidacy of Yamandú Orsi of the Frente Amplio. These endorsements, coming from different sectors and hierarchies within the coalition parties, have generated strong debate and controversy.
This unusual movement of support for an opposition candidate It has generated various reactions, from surprise to accusations of unorthodox political maneuvers. Some officials from the ruling party have questioned the “organicity” of these decisionssuggesting the existence of pressure or even promises of positions in exchange for support.
Alleged telephone calls from the MPP, the majority sector of the Frente Amplio, to militants and leaders of the multicolor coalition, offering positions in an eventual government, have been mentioned. These accusations, although without conclusive evidence so far, have intensified political tension, and have not been supported with evidence: a situation of “clientelism” would be taking shape, but none of those who have raised this accusation presented evidence.
Analysis of support for Orsi: They do not feel called by Álvaro Delgado
The political implications of this support are far-reaching. Although the profiles of the supporters do not always represent figures with high media visibility, the sum of these statements generates a symbolic impact, showing possible internal cracks within the multicolor coalition.
Among the figures who have publicly expressed their support for Orsi, stands out Roberto Riveroa retired police inspector general, 75 years old, with an extensive career linked to the Colorado Party. His police career, which includes general directorate of Repression of Illicit Drug Trafficking in the 90s and the national directorate of Police at the beginning of Jorge Batlle’s governmentwas marked by controversies. His abrupt departure from office, as Orsi himself acknowledged in an interview, was due to a threat to a journalist.
Despite this background, Orsi has highlighted Rivero’s extensive experience in securityboth national and international, and its influence on the training of relevant figures of Uruguayan public security. In 2019, Rivero served as security advisor to Ernesto Talvi.
Victor Björgan Barriosanother reference who has supported Orsi, is an expert in citizen security with a political career that dates back to 1980. His connection to National Partyincluding his role as secretary of the Rochense leader Carlos Julio Pereyra and his work as political secretary of Wilson Ferreira Aldunateis combined with a past in exile in Norway during the dictatorship.
Björgan held public positions during the government of Luis Alberto Lacalle Herrera, including the National Television Directorate.. In 2022 and 2023 he was appointed as technical representative of the National Party in an inter-party commission to design a security strategy. His decision to support Orsi generated a strong stir, resulting in his dismissal by the government.
More support for Orsi from the coalition
Zaida González Legnaniformer Colorado presidential candidate, comes from a family with a long political tradition in Uruguay. Daughter of Eloísa Legnani, first wife of the current Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, González Legnani She defines herself as a batllista and feminist.
His career includes a stint in the extinct People’s Partyalthough he always maintained a strong connection with Batllism within the Colorado Party. His support for Orsi has been criticized by some sectors of the Colorado Party, who question his decision and consider it a betrayal of their principles.
Mariella Demarcoformer candidate for mayor of Montevideo for the Independent Party In 2010, he has been another figure who has expressed his support for Orsi. His political career began in 1982 within the Julio María Sanguinetti sector, but then he went on to support Hugo Batalla within the Colorado Party.
She was founder of the Independent Partyalthough in 2019 he returned to his Colorado origins, supporting Ernesto Talvi. To this day it remains the party’s national convention.
Finally, the group Independent Batllistas of Maldonado, of the Colorado Partyissued a statement expressing its support for Orsi, although without signing it individually, arguing the protection of its members against possible attacks on social networks. His list, 919, obtained few votes in the internal elections, which raises questions about the real weight of this support in the electoral contest. Marcos Taramascoa member of the Colorado Party for Maldonado and a leader of this group, denies having been contacted by the Frente Amplio.
