Uruguay budget review vote uncertain as Cabildo Abierto leader holds back support

The Frente Amplio (FA) faces uncertainty in securing enough votes to pass the government's budget review, as Cabildo Abierto (CA) leader Guido Manini Ríos has not guaranteed his party's support. Manini Ríos met with President Yamandú Orsi to present CA's proposals, describing the president as "very receptive." However, he emphasized that the party's vote remains undecided.

CA is considered pivotal for the FA, which needs two additional votes in the Chamber of Deputies to achieve a majority. The situation is complicated by a growing rift between Manini Ríos and prominent CA deputy Álvaro Perrone. Both legislators were invited to the meeting with Orsi but chose not to attend, underscoring their divergence from the party leadership.

Neither Perrone nor deputy Silvana Pérez Bonavita were involved in preparing the proposal document presented by Manini Ríos. This internal disconnect raises questions about the party's unified stance. Meanwhile, the FA has shown no signs of negotiating with CA, especially since the Republican Coalition has already declared its opposition to the bill.

Manini Ríos downplayed the internal divisions, stating that while the deputies hold the votes, "Cabildo Abierto is one." He asserted that the party's decisions are made collectively through its Political Board. However, the absence of key deputies from crucial discussions and meetings suggests underlying tensions that could impact the budget review's passage.