Uruguay
Rafael Michelini questioned the lack of a left-wing narrative in the government and announced projects for his return to the Senate
In an interview with Caras y Caretas, the Frente Amplio leader praised measures taken by Yamandú Orsi’s administration, raised concerns about the pace of some policies and previewed legislative initiatives for 2026.
Rafael Michelini said that Yamandú Orsi’s government has strengths, such as allocating resources to combat child poverty, creating jobs and applying taxes to the most powerful sectors, but warned that the administration lacks a left-wing narrative. In an interview with Caras y Caretas, he said that this political framework is key to explaining the course of a progressive government that, he argued, must govern for the entire population without losing its identity.
Among his criticisms, he said that policies for people living on the streets are moving slowly and called for greater speed and boldness in the fight against poverty. He also said that, without a clear narrative, decisions are made that clash with the tradition of the left, and mentioned participation in an aircraft carrier and in international events that, in his view, promote hatred.
Michelini also referred to the 50 years since the murder of his father, Zelmar Michelini, and reaffirmed the fight against impunity for crimes committed during the dictatorship. He recalled that there were more than 130 convictions for human rights violations and said that breaking that impunity was the main tribute to the victims.
Asked about the regional situation, he warned about the advance of the right in Latin America, which he linked to greater resources, the ability to instill fear and the lack of unity among the left. In that context, he highlighted the experience of the Global Progressive Mobilization held in Barcelona and stressed the need to build a broad response from international progressivism. According to what he told Caras y Caretas, he took part in those conversations in his role as vice president of the Socialist International.
As he prepares to return to the Senate in August next year, he said he is working on several legislative drafts. Among them, he mentioned a financing scheme for culture with a surcharge on streaming platforms and a state contribution to a trust fund supporting the audiovisual and theater sectors, as well as a protection system for artists and technicians.
He also proposed reducing the cost of high-priced medicines through international tenders for generics, as well as proposals for small businesses, people deprived of liberty or recently released, retirement homes for older adults, a judicial police law and assistance measures for victims of sects.
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not do its own reporting on this event.
