Uruguay opposition to file criminal complaint against Defense Minister over canceled ship deal

Opposition lawmakers in Uruguay announced they will file a criminal complaint this week against Defense Minister Sandra Lazo and two other ministry officials. The complaint stems from the rescission of a contract for the purchase of offshore patrol vessels from the Spanish shipyard Cardama.

Nationalist deputy Pablo Abdala stated that the minister has engaged in actions with "evident criminal appearances." He asserted that Lazo bears legal and political responsibility for the decision. The complaint follows the findings of a special commission that investigated the acquisition process, which began under the previous government of Luis Lacalle Pou and was rescinded by President Yamandú Orsi.

However, opposition deputies also expressed confusion regarding the rationale behind the rescission. Colorado deputy Maximiliano Campo noted that the investigative commission found no irregularities that would legally challenge the original purchase. Gerardo Sotelo, a deputy from the Independent Party, questioned the calculations and analysis that led President Orsi to sign what he described as a "ruinous" rescission.

Sotelo further pointed out that no corruption or illicit activity was uncovered after five months of investigation. He suggested that the decision to back out of the Cardama deal might have been influenced by "minor and petty political interests." The opposition is particularly concerned about recovering the $30 million investment, $20 million of which was paid by the current government, and which is now reportedly deteriorating into scrap metal at the Vigo shipyard.