Frente Amplio Criticizes Coalition for Blocking Budget Review Vote

Uruguayan lawmakers from the ruling coalition have declared they will not vote on the government's budget review bill in its general form. This decision, announced by parties including the National, Colorado, and Independent parties, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Frente Amplio.

Frente Amplio deputies held a press conference to condemn the coalition's stance, emphasizing that discussions had only just begun and that the coalition's action was not merely an obstacle for the government but a detriment to the public. "Let it be clear that the attitude the coalition has taken is not a roadblock for the government, but a roadblock in the lives of the people," stated Frente Amplio deputy Carlos Varela. He also noted the complexity of negotiations given that Cabildo Abierto has also indicated it will not vote for the bill in general.

Deputy Sebastián Valdomir expressed surprise at the coalition's resolution. He warned that if the bill fails to pass in its general vote, it cannot be considered in detail. This would prevent discussions on crucial reinforcements for sensitive areas such as child poverty, public safety, homelessness, and education. Valdomir lamented that the rejection would harm households struggling with extreme poverty, stating, "What hurts us most is not that they say no to Frente Amplio or the government, but that they say no to the households with children living in extreme poverty." He questioned how the coalition could claim to care about the homeless while denying the Ministry of Social Development essential funding.

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Actúan de forma irresponsable y le generan a otros sectores políticos (que integran la Cámara de Representantes, más allá del Frente Amplio) la responsabilidad de asegurarle a la gente la Rendición de Cuentas.