Mercosur presidents reaffirm full validity of Ushuaia Protocol on Democratic Commitment

The presidents of Mercosur have jointly reaffirmed the enduring significance of the Ushuaia Protocol on Democratic Commitment. This declaration came during the bloc's latest summit in Paraguay, where leaders signed a joint statement emphasizing the protocol's continued relevance. The Ushuaia Protocol is a cornerstone document safeguarding democratic institutions, considered an essential condition for the Mercosur integration process and regional development.

Leaders including Santiago Peña of Paraguay, Rodrigo Paz Pereira of Bolivia, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay, alongside Argentina's Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, renewed their commitment to democratic principles. They stressed the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, multilateralism, and human rights. The statement highlighted democracy's role in ensuring regional stability and fostering integration for the prosperity of their peoples.

The protocol, signed in 1998, has been invoked twice in the past. Paraguay faced suspension from Mercosur in June 2012 following the impeachment of its then-president, Fernando Lugo, a move seen by other member states as a rupture of democratic order. The suspension lasted until April 2013 after new elections. More recently, Venezuela was suspended in August 2017 due to concerns over its democratic institutions.

The reaffirmation of the Ushuaia Protocol occurs amidst significant political unrest in Bolivia, marked by widespread protests. Although the Bolivian government and the Bolivian Workers' Central (COB) reached an agreement to pacify the country after weeks of strikes demanding President Rodrigo Paz Pereira's resignation, some factions have indicated their intention to continue protests.