Luis Lacalle Pou, the President of Uruguay, will not invite Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to Yamandú Orsi’s inauguration in March 2025 due to his critical stance on their governments. This decision has elicited mixed reactions among Uruguayan political factions. The incoming administration aims for broader diplomatic relations despite the exclusions. Lacalle Pou has consistently labeled the Cuban regime as a dictatorship and received support for his human rights advocacy from the Uruguayan Cuban community.
Luis Lacalle Pou, the President of Uruguay, has opted not to invite Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to the inauguration of the newly elected president, Yamandú Orsi, scheduled for March 1, 2025. This decision, reported by El País Uruguay, stems from Lacalle Pou’s longstanding criticism of these governments, which he considers dictatorial. Although Orsi’s incoming administration sought invitations for all diplomatic relations holders, the outgoing administration’s stance blocked this effort.
The political reactions within Uruguay have been varied. The outgoing government coalition endorses Lacalle Pou’s decision as aligning with their foreign policy values, while the left-wing Frente Amplio party has expressed discontent. Future Chancellor Mario Lubetkin remarked, “It’s not that we are happy about it; we would have preferred to have the general invitation.” Lubetkin mentioned that a “letter of invitation” was sent to the ambassadors of the excluded nations, suggesting they might still attend despite the formal block.
Alejandro “Pacha” Sánchez, the future Secretary of the Presidency, noted that this inauguration is set to host the largest number of leaders since the restoration of democracy in Uruguay. He emphasized the new government’s readiness to establish diplomatic relations with all nations regardless of their governmental ideologies. Yamandú Orsi, candidate from the Frente Amplio, won the presidency in elections held on November 24, 2024, marking a shift back to leftist leadership in Uruguay.
Orsi, who gained around 50% of the vote, has called for increased national unity and dialogue in his victory speech. Lacalle Pou has consistently critiqued the Cuban government since taking office in 2020, labeling it a dictatorship while condemning human rights violations on the island. In earlier remarks, he asserted, “Cuba is a dictatorship, and those who refuse to see it have very strong ideological affinities,” showcasing his firm stance on the issue.
During the CELAC summit in September 2021, Lacalle Pou confronted Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, invoking the Cuban opposition anthem “Patria y Vida” as part of his criticism. His position on Cuba has garnered appreciation from the Uruguayan Cuban community, who thanked him for his unwavering support for freedom. In December 2023, Lacalle Pou reiterated his commitment to human rights, speaking compassionately about Cuban migrants arriving in Uruguay.
In summary, President Luis Lacalle Pou’s decision to exclude Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua from the inauguration of Yamandú Orsi reflects his longstanding opposition to these regimes. The reactions reveal a split in political opinion, with the current government supporting the blockade while Orsi’s future cabinet advocates for inclusive diplomacy. Ultimately, this situation underscores the complex nature of Uruguay’s foreign policy as it transitions government.
Original Source: en.cibercuba.com
