Uruguay President Faces Scrutiny Over Heavily Discounted SUV Purchase

Uruguay's President Yamandú Orsi is embroiled in a controversy surrounding a significant discount on a luxury SUV he purchased just days before assuming the presidency. The $25,000 price reduction on the high-end vehicle has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who question the circumstances of the purchase.

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He didn't even dare to go that far.

The issue surfaced when a local radio program detected discrepancies in Orsi's sworn statement regarding the vehicle's cost. While the presidential office presented a bill for $54,000, the market price for the SUV in February 2025, shortly before Orsi's March 1st inauguration, was approximately $25,000 higher. Orsi attempted to clarify the situation, suggesting he "always jumped at discounts," a remark that Senator Sebastián Da Silva of the National Party condemned as disrespectful to the public and damaging to institutions.

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The explanations provided so far by various authorities, including the president, have been insufficient, contradictory, and unclear. Far from contributing to the clarification of facts, some public statements have generated new questions and have contributed to aggravating public concern.

Da Silva further demanded that Hyundai, the vehicle's manufacturer, verify that the "perk" granted to Orsi complied with the company's anti-corruption standards. The Colorado Party also issued a statement deeming the situation "grave" and calling the explanations provided by authorities, including the president, "insufficient, contradictory, and unclear."

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I apologize if my actions offended or harmed the interests of any individual or group.

Orsi addressed the criticism on Monday, admitting that "doubts exist about the how and why" of the purchase. He apologized for any offense or harm caused by his actions and stated that he would accept responsibility if a supervisory body determines he made an error or if he is required to pay the difference between the actual cost and the current market value. The Board of Transparency and Public Ethics is expected to review the case following multiple complaints from center-right opposition members.

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If any supervisory body considers that I made a mistake, I will take responsibility. And if it is understood that I must pay the difference between the actual cost and the current market value, I will do so without delay.