Art of the Week: Gladys Afamado, Artificio de pájaros, 1988
In a time of rolling news horrors, moments of hope shine brightly. Uruguay’s recent presidential election is one such moment. On November 24, 2024, Yamandú Orsi, leader of the progressive Broad Front coalition, secured the presidency in a historic runoff, winning 50% of the vote. His victory over Álvaro Delgado of the National Party, who secured 46%, marks not just a political shift, but a reimagining of Uruguay’s future. The Progressive International Observatory was on the ground to witness both rounds of the election.
As a member of the Popular Participation Movement (MPP) within the Broad Front, Orsi is seen as heir to the political tendency led by popular Uruguayan president José ‘Pepe’ Mujica. Orsi’s campaign, built on a platform of inclusivity and progress, resonated deeply with a population grappling with economic inequality, rising crime, and the urgent need for environmental action. The former intendant of the Canelones department, will be the first president from the Frente Amplio to hail from Uruguay’s interior. Orsi’s ties to rural communities beyond the Broad Front’s urban bases are complemented by the vice president-elect, Carolina Cosse, the former mayor of the capital, Montevideo.
On March 1, 2025, Orsi will assume office, bringing with him a bold vision for a more just and equitable Uruguay. A delegation from the Progressive International will be in Montevideo to witness the inauguration.
This victory marks the return of the Broad Front to power after five years of centre-right governance under President Luis Lacalle Pou. It is a reminder that progressive politics, when rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people, can triumph even in challenging times.
With child poverty rates hovering around 25%, Orsi has made addressing inequality a cornerstone of his presidency. His plans include increasing social spending, creating jobs for young people, and expanding educational scholarships to lift vulnerable populations out of poverty. Orsi has signalled his intent to reform Uruguay’s social security system, including the possibility of lowering the retirement age. He also supports reducing the standard workweek to 40 hours, a key trade union demand.
Environmental sustainability is a key priority for Orsi. Uruguay is already a leader in renewable energy with more than 98% of its electrical grid powered by renewable energy. Orsi has expressed interest in expanding investments in green technologies, and exploring international collaborations to develop green hydrogen production facilities. His foreign policy will focus on strengthening regional cooperation within frameworks like Mercosur, while expressing caution towards free trade agreements.
The Progressive International stands with the people of Uruguay as they chart this transformative new course.
In solidarity,
The Progressive International Secretariat
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Art of the Week
Artificio de pájaros, 1988 is a linocut by Gladys Afamado (24 May 1925 – 29 December 2024) a celebrated Uruguayan artist known for her poetry and contributions to the Montevideo Engraving Club. Her contributions to the club included the 1966 artwork Campaña de solidaridad con los presos políticos en Portugal.
In context of a deep economic and social crisis, worsened throughout the National Party’s leadership from 1958 and spurred by the Cuban revolution of 1959, the club made works that denounced repressive security measures, the Vietnam War, and the murder of students by police, which resonated with movements globally. Inspired by post-war movements in Europe, the club was supported through a model where paying members received a monthly print. The membership grew from 100 in 1953 to 1,400 by 1964.
