Uruguay minister faces criminal complaint over canceled ship deal, vows to return with energy

Uruguayan Defense Minister Sandra Lazo has responded to a criminal complaint filed against her by opposition parties over the rescinded purchase of offshore patrol vessels. Lazo, who is currently on medical leave following surgery, took to her personal social media to address the allegations.

The complaint, filed by the National, Colorado, and Independent parties, accuses Lazo and two other ministry officials of unnamed crimes related to the cancellation of the contract with the Cardama shipyard. Nationalist deputy Pablo Abdala stated that Lazo "clearly has committed acts of apparent crime." He added, "Minister Lazo is responsible legally, politically, and legally."

However, Colorado deputy Maximiliano Campo emphasized that no irregularities were found in the commission's investigation that would legally question the government's purchase from Cardama. Gerardo Sotelo, a deputy from the Independent Party, expressed confusion over the calculations and analysis that led the president to sign a "clearly ruinous" rescission. He noted that despite five months of investigation and ten months since the executive branch initiated this "political operation," no corruption or illegality has been uncovered.

Despite her medical recovery, Lazo posted on Instagram, "And meanwhile… in a distant place in the mountains, I continue recovering, surrounded by family, with the best medical team that has not stopped accompanying me in this process. In a few days, we will meet wherever you want. I will return with more energy and the same convictions. I’m so sorry."

Legislators from the Frente Amplio also denounced "serious acts of apparent crime" and "political responsibilities" in the OPV purchase process. Senator Nicolás Viera held former President Luis Lacalle Pou as the primary political responsible party, citing his backing of the irregular acquisition process during his term as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. Frente Amplio president Fernando Pereira asserted, "It has become clear, no one disputes it anymore, that they tried to scam us. That there was funny business."