Author Criticizes Uruguayan Party's Priorities: Domestic Poverty vs. International Aid and Costly Projects

This opinion piece, under the heading "Mental Poverty," sharply criticizes the Frente Amplio (FA) party's priorities, arguing they demonstrate a disconnect from the pressing needs of Uruguay's own citizens. The author contends that while solidarity with Cuba and Gaza is commendable, the FA seems to overlook the significant poverty and inadequate housing conditions within Uruguay itself, particularly in informal settlements. The piece questions the party's focus on international aid when many Uruguayans struggle with basic necessities, suggesting a misplaced sense of priorities.

“

The humanitarian aid to Cuba and Gaza is not wrong, we must be solidary, but I remind the Frente Amplio that we do not live in a rich country; first come the poor Uruguayans who live in settlements, in tin and plank shacks with dirt floors; they forget about those who live below the poverty line; they forget about those who live on the streets.

Furthermore, the author expresses skepticism regarding the FA's portrayal of freedom in Cuba. Citing a statement by the President of the FA about "full freedom" in Cuba, the piece sarcastically implies this freedom is limited to superficial activities like walking along Havana's Malecón, contrasting it with the lived realities of Cubans. This critique suggests a perceived hypocrisy or naivete in the FA's foreign policy perspectives, particularly concerning socialist states.

“

But they do not forget to travel abroad (all of them) and especially to Cuba, and upon their return, the President of the FA stated that people live with full freedom in that country.

The article then turns its attention to infrastructure development, specifically criticizing proposed large-scale projects, such as corridors to El Pinar, as "works of the century" that are disproportionately expensive and serve a relatively small number of people. The author contrasts this with the needs of the broader population of Montevideo, arguing that improvements to public and private vehicle circulation—such as widening key avenues, implementing better signage, and constructing tunnels—are more pressing and would benefit a larger segment of the citizenry. The piece concludes by urging local authorities to focus on practical improvements within Montevideo that directly serve the taxpayers, rather than pursuing grandiose, costly projects with limited impact.

“

Mr. Mayor Bergara think that 16,000 people is less than 200,000, that such a work at a super millionaire cost benefits few people, leaving aside those who live to the West, North and South of the "silver cup" and although he promises, as he says, that there will be improvements, nobody believes him.