Opposition slams Uruguay's Interior Minister over police reshuffle

Uruguay's opposition has sharply criticized recent changes in the police leadership, asserting that the restructuring fails to tackle the core problems of public security and instead serves to deflect political responsibility from Interior Minister Carlos Negro.

Senators from the National Party argue that the modifications represent a "flight from political and personal responsibility," aiming to blame the police for a management they deem lacking in leadership. "The minister's chair is empty," stated one senator, lamenting the situation within the ministry. They point to the government's security plan, introduced two months prior, as having yielded no tangible results, with persistent issues of rising crime and drug trafficking. Concerns were also raised about territories where the state's control has allegedly diminished, with criminals operating with impunity.

The opposition further highlighted that Minister Negro had received the requested budgetary resources and support for legislative initiatives related to public security. However, they question why these contributions have not been effectively utilized. Additionally, criticism was leveled at the government's relationship with the Prosecutor's Office, with accusations of hindering relevant institutional processes, such as the appointment of prosecutors.

Senator Andrés Ojeda of the Colorado Party succinctly expressed his view on social media: "They change everyone except the minister." He further described Montevideo as "an open-air narco war zone." Echoing these sentiments, former Interior Minister Nicolás Martinelli suggested the changes signal an "internal crisis of leadership" within the ministry. He believes the restructuring reflects accumulated tensions among police officials and power struggles within the institution, specifically noting a strained relationship between Police Director José Manuel Azambuya and his former deputy, Alfredo Clavijo.