Uruguay’s Yamandú Orsi sworn in as president, balancing growth and welfare

Uruguay is shifting to the center-left as Yamandú Orsi was sworn in as the country’s new president on Saturday. Backed by former leader José “Pepe” Mujica, Orsi has pledged a “modern left” approach, balancing economic growth with stronger social policies.

📌 What happened?

Orsi took office as Uruguay’s new president after a narrow election victory.
He promised a balanced approach to governance, focusing on social welfare and investment.

⚠️ Why it matters?

Uruguay faces economic and social challenges, with nearly 19% of the population in multidimensional poverty.
Diplomatic ties with the U.S., China, and Mercosur countries will test Orsi’s leadership.

A Shift to the ‘Modern Left’

Orsi, a 57-year-old former mayor, won the presidency in November, defeating the ruling center-right coalition. Seen as a moderate, he has promised a pragmatic leftist agenda, emphasizing both social protection and business-friendly policies.

During his inaugural speech at Montevideo’s Legislative Palace, Orsi made clear his government would not overhaul the system but instead push for “new proposals and permanent construction.” The chamber erupted in applause when he credited Mujica, the iconic leftist former president.

Outgoing conservative leader Luis Lacalle Pou presented Orsi with the presidential sash during an outdoor ceremony where the two shared a brief embrace.

Throughout his campaign, Orsi reassured Uruguayans that his government would avoid radical policy changes in one of South America's most stable economies, known for cattle ranching, progressive laws, and steady growth.

Economic and Social Challenges

Uruguay’s economy, fueled by farm exports, is projected to grow in 2025, but high living costs, inequality, and rising crime rates have weakened public trust in the previous administration.

“The destiny and future of this country has to change,” Orsi said in an interview with Reuters before the election, insisting that his Broad Front coalition, which secured a Senate majority, was the force to make that change.

According to a February 19 report by the National Statistics Agency (INE), 19% of Uruguayans faced multidimensional poverty, measured by deprivations in areas like education, housing, and employment.

The new government’s priority is to boost social programs while attracting investment and skilled workers—without raising taxes.

Foreign Policy and Trade Pressures

Orsi’s government enters at a time of global trade tensions, with Uruguay balancing ties between China, its largest trading partner, and the U.S., a key regional ally.

"Uruguay will be under a lot of pressure from the U.S. to limit Chinese investment in critical sectors like infrastructure and telecommunications," said Nicolás Saldías from the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Despite this, U.S.-Uruguay trade surged by 68% in 2024, creating new opportunities for economic cooperation. Orsi’s government will need strong diplomacy to navigate relations with the Trump administration.

Uruguay has also been negotiating a bilateral trade deal with China since 2021, while pushing for a broader China-Mercosur agreement. In December, Mercosur reached a long-awaited trade deal with the European Union after decades of talks.

Regional Relations

Orsi also faces a divided Mercosur bloc, with left-wing Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Argentina’s libertarian leader Javier Milei at odds. While Lula attended the inauguration, Milei skipped the event due to the opening of Argentina’s Congress.

In a break from past Uruguayan foreign policy, Orsi hesitated to invite Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro after his disputed election in July. Ultimately, the decision was left to Lacalle Pou’s outgoing government, which blocked officials from Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, citing their lack of democratic governance.

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