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Frente Amplio faces "grave problem" as militants feel disconnected from government, says senator
🇺🇾 Uruguay /Elections & Politics

Frente Amplio faces "grave problem" as militants feel disconnected from government, says senator

From El País · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Senator Óscar Andrade of the Communist Party acknowledges significant discontent within the Frente Amplio's base regarding the government's direction.
  • He identifies a "grave problem" where many militants feel disconnected from the political project, attributing it to a lack of "subjectivity" and a "serious problem" in how some left-wing leaders engage in public debate.
  • Andrade stresses the need for the Frente Amplio to reconnect with its base, emphasizing solidarity and social rights, and suggests the party congress must address this disconnect.

Senator Óscar Andrade, the Communist Party's secretary-general, has voiced concerns about a significant portion of the Frente Amplio's membership feeling alienated from the government's current trajectory. He described this sentiment as a "grave problem," noting that many militants perceive the government as an "unwanted child."

many militants see the government as an unwanted child

— Óscar AndradeSenator Óscar Andrade described the sentiment of some Frente Amplio members towards the current government.

Andrade believes this disconnect stems from a failure to build "subjectivity" around the political project, irrespective of economic or social indicators. He also criticized some left-wing leaders for their perceived naivety, comparing them to "Bambis" in public debates with the opposition. While acknowledging positive government measures, Andrade emphasized that a "very important" segment of the party base feels distant, highlighting the need to foster a stronger connection to the political project.

if subjectivity is not built around the political project, we are facing a grave problem

— Óscar AndradeAndrade explained the core issue causing disconnect within the Frente Amplio's base.

Speaking on the program Lado B of TV Ciudad, Andrade discussed the challenges faced by popular projects in a prevailing neoliberal ideology that prioritizes the wealthy and promotes "exacerbated individualism." He contrasted this with the Frente Amplio's "popular project," which aims to build a society based on solidarity, ensuring basic rights like food, work, education, and housing. He asserted that achieving this requires broad societal participation, making the current "low-key" engagement of the party's militants a serious issue.

a popular project goes against the current because the predominant ideology is neoliberal

— Óscar AndradeAndrade characterized the broader political climate in which the Frente Amplio operates.

Recalling a quote from Frente Amplio figure Líber Seregni, Andrade stated that "with the Frente Amplio the people come to government," not just benefit from its measures. He argued that this "radicalization of democracy" is impossible with the current distance between the left's leadership and the government. Andrade concluded that the upcoming Frente Amplio congress must prioritize addressing this disconnect by actively listening to and incorporating criticism.

with the Frente Amplio the people come to government

— Óscar AndradeAndrade referenced a quote from Líber Seregni to emphasize the participatory nature of the Frente Amplio's political vision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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