Almagro clashes with Frente Amplio leader Pereira, calls his exit 'Stalinist'

A heated exchange has erupted between Fernando Pereira, the president of Uruguay's Frente Amplio coalition, and Luis Almagro, the former Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). The dispute centers on Almagro's past within the Frente Amplio and his critical views on certain Latin American governments.

Pereira asserted that Almagro was not expelled from the Frente Amplio but rather chose to leave due to "abandoning the values and principles" of the coalition. This statement, made during a Frente Amplio event, drew a sharp response from Almagro on social media. He vehemently denied Pereira's account, stating he was "expelled" in a "Stalinist process" where he had no right to defend himself.

Almagro further defended his political principles, emphasizing his commitment to democracy, human rights, and fair elections, contrasting them with what he described as dictatorships and electoral fraud in countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua. He accused Pereira of siding with "the defense and impunity" of dictators.

The conflict also involves Almagro's recent comments about former Uruguayan President José Mujica. Almagro claimed to know Mujica's private stance on Venezuela, suggesting it aligned with his own, and expressed hurt that Mujica publicly stated otherwise. Almagro defended his right to comment, citing his long working relationship with Mujica and his freedom of expression.

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No tuve derecho a defenderme, decir otra cosa constituye una falsedad