Related videos:
The president of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, has decided not to extend invitations to the governments of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua for the inauguration ceremony of the elected president, Yamandú Orsi, scheduled for March 1, 2025.
This decision, as reported by El País Uruguay, is based on Lacalle Pou's critical stance towards these regimes, which he has labeled as dictatorial.
The incoming government of Orsi had requested that all countries with which Uruguay maintains diplomatic relations be invited, including these three. However, the outgoing administration chose not to extend invitations to those governments.
This measure has generated various reactions within the Uruguayan political landscape. While the outgoing government coalition has supported Lacalle Pou's decision, deeming it consistent with its foreign policy, the Frente Amplio has responded accordingly.
"The current president did not sign three specific cases, at least the ones we know of; there may be more. It’s not that we are happy about it; we would have preferred to have the general invitation,” indicated Mario Lubetkin, the future chancellor of Uruguay in Orsi's broad-front government.
Despite Lacalle Pou's administration's refusal, Lubetkin noted that a "letter of invitation" has been sent to the ambassadors of the respective countries and imagines that "they will be present."
On his part, the future Secretary of the Presidency, Alejandro "Pacha" Sánchez, argued that "the number of leaders who will be attending this ceremony is the largest in history since the restoration of democracy", reported El País Uruguay.
According to their view, "the government that is about to take office wants to establish diplomatic relations with all countries from day one, regardless of the ideological perspectives that may exist regarding what happens within those countries and the characteristics of their presidents."
Yamandú Orsi, candidate of the Frente Amplio, was elected president of Uruguay in the elections held on November 24, 2024, marking the return of the left to power after five years of National Party government.
Orsi, backed by former president José "Pepe" Mujica, received approximately 50% of the votes, surpassing the government candidate Álvaro Delgado.
In his victory speech, Orsi emphasized the importance of unity and tolerance in building a better country, calling for national dialogue to find the best solutions.
On his part, the outgoing president, Luis Lacalle Pou, has maintained a critical and firm stance towards the Cuban government since the beginning of his term in 2020. On various occasions, he has referred to the regime in Havana as a "dictatorship" and has condemned the human rights violations on the island.
In July 2021, Lacalle Pou stated that "Cuba is a dictatorship, and those who refuse to see it have very strong ideological affinities." These statements reflect his conviction that the situation in Cuba is clear and that denial of it stems from ideological interests.
During the VI Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in September 2021, the Uruguayan leader directly confronted the Cuban ruler, Miguel Díaz-Canel.
In his remarks, Lacalle Pou quoted excerpts from the song "Patria y Vida", a symbol of the Cuban opposition, and noted that those who perform it "feel oppressed by the government."
This stance has been recognized and appreciated by the Cuban community in Uruguay. In September 2021, groups of Cubans living in Montevideo gathered to express their gratitude to Lacalle Pou for his solidarity and support for the cause of freedom in Cuba.
Additionally, in December 2023, the Uruguayan president reaffirmed his commitment to human rights by addressing the situation of Cuban migrants in his country. He acknowledged that many of them arrive in Uruguay because "they have no other option", highlighting the difficult conditions they face in their country of origin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Exclusion from the Presidential Inauguration in Uruguay
Why did the president of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, decide not to invite Cuba to the inauguration of Yamandú Orsi?
The president of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, decided not to invite Cuba to the inauguration of Yamandú Orsi due to his critical stance towards the Cuban regime, which he has described as dictatorial. This decision reflects his conviction that the situation in Cuba is a dictatorship and his refusal to recognize regimes that violate human rights.
What impact has Cuba's exclusion had on Uruguayan politics?
Cuba's exclusion from the inauguration ceremony has generated various reactions in Uruguay. While the outgoing government coalition supports Lacalle Pou's decision, considering it consistent with their foreign policy, the Frente Amplio has expressed its disagreement, preferring a general invitation to all countries with diplomatic relations with Uruguay.
How has the elected government of Yamandú Orsi reacted to the blockade of invitations to Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua?
The elected government of Yamandú Orsi has responded by sending a "note of invitation" to the ambassadors of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, expressing its intention to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries, beyond ideological differences. The future chancellor, Mario Lubetkin, stated that they preferred a general invitation.
Filed under:
