Uruguay prosecutors: FA withdraws support, opposition cries foul

A political dispute erupted in Uruguay's Senate over the nomination of three departmental prosecutors, with opposition senators accusing the ruling Frente Amplio (FA) of unexpectedly withdrawing support for agreed-upon candidates. Senators Javier García (National Party) and Andrés Ojeda (Colorado Party) denounced the FA's decision as "intempestive" and lacking any explanation, suggesting it was politically motivated.

According to the opposition, the nominations for María Fernanda Delpino Da Silva, Victoria Cristiani Szollos, and Ana Inés Iriarte Barbosa were set to receive unanimous support. However, the FA communicated during the session that the candidates' nominations would be sent back to committee for further review. Ojeda criticized the move as "grave," highlighting the urgent need for these appointments and the "suspicion" it creates, while García called it an "attack on the prosecutor's office" orchestrated by the Executive Tower.

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This is serious, there are vacant prosecutor positions, these approvals are needed like air, this has never happened and it is done without any explanation; it gives rise to all suspicions.

The conflict appears rooted in a long-standing disagreement between the FA and the ruling coalition regarding the role of interim prosecutor Mónica Ferrero. The FA has openly expressed dissatisfaction with Ferrero's performance, particularly her recent decision to reassign Alejandro Machado from the Economic Crimes Unit to the new Cybercrime Prosecutor's Office. This move by Ferrero drew criticism from the left-wing party, fueling the ongoing tension over leadership at the Public Ministry.

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Without explaining reasons, without explicit motives. Strange. The order appeared this morning by phone, they say. Undoubtedly, the Executive Tower is behind it. The attack on the prosecutor's office from the ruling party reaches dangerous institutional extremes.