Olivera Criticizes Government, Party; Rules Out 2029 Run, Discusses Internal Politics

Paysandú Intendant Nicolás Olivera has voiced sharp criticism of both the current government and internal factions within his own National Party. Speaking on the En Clave País streaming program, Olivera expressed dissatisfaction with President Yamandú Orsi's administration while also questioning the direction of his party's internal politics.

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We must learn to coexist; we cannot force our party to be solely oppositional and reactive.

Olivera declared he will not seek the presidential pre-candidacy in 2029. He believes the party has already settled on Luis Lacalle Pou as its national leader for the upcoming elections. The remaining question, according to Olivera, is what kind of government the party aims to establish starting in 2030. He identifies his own political wing, D Centro, with a wilsonista stance, prioritizing decentralization, individual opportunity, and equity, asserting that the state must create conditions for citizens to thrive.

He highlighted that his movement includes numerous mayors, council members, and local officials dedicated to improving people's lives, rather than simply opposing the Orsi government. Olivera defended the actions of Santiago Caramés, a party leader whose council members supported municipal debt for infrastructure improvements in Montevideo. Olivera found Caramés's open-minded approach "not incorrect" and criticized the party's decision to refer the matter to an ethics committee, arguing it undermines fundamental freedoms. "We must learn to coexist; we cannot force our party to be solely oppositional and reactive," Olivera stated, advocating for a proactive agenda.

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Our agenda also has to be positive. We have to think that in four years we have to tell people 'this is what we are and this is what we want for the country'.

Olivera also took aim at the confrontational style of Senator Sebastián Da Silva, with whom he has had public disagreements. He criticized the government's swift rejection of the accountability bill, noting that the ruling coalition's communication was "not very happy." He observed that some within the coalition are already suggesting they might vote for the bill if circumstances change, a path he believes is more constructive. Olivera recalled how the Frente Amplio fiercely opposed the previous government, yet still won the election, warning against adopting such a purely oppositional strategy.

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It is a way, I do not share it but it is a way.