'He's making a fool of people': Opposition slams Orsi over vehicle discount response

Opposition leaders in Uruguay have sharply criticized President Yamandú Orsi following his remarks about a discount he received on a vehicle purchase. The controversy stems from a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, valued at approximately $25,000, which Orsi acquired in February 2025 while he was president-elect. Information about this discount emerged from his latest sworn statement to the Transparency and Public Ethics Board.

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In general, when there are discounts I jump in headfirst.

Initially, the opposition's reaction was moderate. However, Orsi's subsequent statement in Salto, where he declared that he "always jumps in headfirst" when it comes to "discounts," intensified the criticism. This comment was widely interpreted as dismissive and disrespectful towards the public.

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Totally groggy. To say this is to make a fool of the entire population.

Senator Sebastián Da Silva of the National Party was among the first to condemn Orsi's statement, calling it "totally groggy" and accusing the president of "making a fool of the entire population." He further remarked that such a comment "destroys the institution of the President of the Republic," suggesting even former President Menem would not have dared to say such a thing. Da Silva also linked Orsi's remarks to rising fuel prices, implying a disconnect between the president's attitude and the public's economic struggles.

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It is not right for the president to make a fool of the people. It is not right.

Other opposition figures echoed these sentiments. Senator Javier García stated, "It is not right for the president to make a fool of the people." Senator Robert Silva of the Colorado Party added that when an explanation becomes a "joke," the issue shifts from the discount itself to a "lack of awareness regarding the office and the responsibility it entails." Deputies from various parties, including Pablo Abdala and Pedro Jisdonian, also expressed disappointment, calling the response "unworthy of a republican president" and a "lack of respect for Uruguayans."

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When the explanation becomes a joke, the problem stops being the discount and becomes the lack of awareness about the investiture and the responsibility it implies. They are making a fool of us!