Uruguay's Congress of Intendants consolidates power with new leadership

The Congress of Intendants in Uruguay has demonstrated its growing institutional strength and empowerment by electing new leadership at a well-attended meeting in its new headquarters. The event was marked by the presence of high-ranking officials, including President Yamandú Orsi, Vice President Carolina Cosse, and several ministers, underscoring the body's significance.

Carlos Enciso, the mayor of Florida and former Uruguayan ambassador to Argentina, officially took over the presidency of the Congress. He succeeded Nicolás Olivera, the mayor of Paysandú, who had presided over the organization during its first year of the current term. Enciso, a member of the National Party, was unanimously elected by the other 18 departmental mayors. The motion for his candidacy was put forward by Guillermo Besozzi, mayor of Soriano, as had been previously agreed upon.

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Some still don't understand that even thinking differently, we can always reach a synthesis, a common ground. In this place, we mayors from different regions, realities, beliefs, and political parties coexist, but still, all the decisions we make are by consensus. And that happens because we all administer the same realities. Never in this room has there been a partisan political issue that divides this body. Partisan politics do not interfere to divide, because when each of us returns to our department, we encounter the most stubborn thing we can face: reality.

In his farewell address, outgoing president Olivera highlighted the importance of the Congress as a forum for executive leaders from Uruguay's three main political parties. He emphasized the body's ability to reach consensus despite differing viewpoints, stating, "Some still don't understand that even thinking differently, we can always reach a synthesis, a common ground." Olivera noted that partisan politics do not divide the Congress, as its members are grounded by the realities of governing their respective departments. During Olivera's tenure, the Congress negotiated a record budget of over $4 billion in national government transfers to the departmental intendancies.

Upon assuming the presidency, Enciso pledged to continue the work of his predecessor, acknowledging potential stylistic differences but affirming a commitment to continuity. He reiterated the "empowerment" the organization has gained since the 1996 electoral reform, a process he believes has been further solidified in the past year, partly due to President Orsi's supportive stance. Orsi, drawing from his experience as mayor of Canelones, has referred to the Congress as a "union" of mayors, recognizing their expanded role beyond traditional municipal duties. Francisco Legnani, mayor of Canelones, added that no one feels like a minority within the Congress, reinforcing the inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.

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In no moment are we made to feel that we are a minority here, not at all.