Amid declining approval ratings, President Lula is set to visit Uruguay on March 1 to attend Yamandú Orsi’s presidential inauguration, aiming to strengthen ties and invigorate Mercosur. The visit symbolizes a shift in relations after a tension-filled tenure under Luis Lacalle Pou. Lula’s administration seeks regional solidarity amid new political dynamics with Argentina, and hopes to enhance integration through pragmatic cooperation.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to visit Montevideo, Uruguay on March 1, during Brazil’s Carnival holiday, to participate in the inauguration of Uruguay’s new president, Yamandú Orsi. This visit is part of Lula’s strategy to strengthen diplomatic ties with Uruguay and enhance the future of the South American trading bloc, Mercosur, amid declining approval ratings at home.
The significance of this visit is heightened by Lula’s prior strained relationship with outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou, a critic of Mercosur who sought closer ties with China and considered a potential free trade agreement, raising concerns about Mercosur’s unity. Orsi’s election under the center-left Broad Front party has generated optimism in Brazil regarding a renewed partnership moving forward.
Márcio Macêdo, Brazil’s minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, remarked, “Yamandú’s arrival strengthens Mercosur. The previous administration signaled interest in direct trade deals with Europe, the U.S., and China, but that didn’t materialize. I believe Yamandú will take the opposite approach—reinforcing Mercosur and deepening ties with Brazil.”
The Lula administration anticipates that Uruguay will become a strategic ally in regional politics, particularly following the recent election of Javier Milei, Argentina’s conservative president, known for his connections with U.S. President Donald Trump. A notable sign of a positive relationship is that Orsi’s first foreign visit as president was to Brazil, where he met with Lula in November.
Orsi expressed optimism regarding Mercosur, stating, “We are optimistic about Mercosur and the region’s potential to strengthen ties with other markets, including Europe.” The political shift in Uruguay is attracting attention from Brazil’s Congress, with Senator Nelsinho Trad calling for pragmatic solutions to bolster trade and competitiveness among Mercosur member countries, ensuring respect for each nation’s needs.
During his visit, President Lula is expected to engage in bilateral meetings, although specifics remain unconfirmed. Among these anticipated interactions is a meeting with former President José “Pepe” Mujica, a close ally of Lula, who is currently facing health challenges due to advanced esophageal cancer.
In conclusion, President Lula’s visit to Uruguay signifies an effort to revive Brazil’s alliance with its neighbor and strengthen Mercosur in the face of recent political changes in the region. The election of Yamandú Orsi presents an opportunity to rebuild cooperation and focus on economic integration amidst challenges posed by external trade relations. Both leaders express optimism regarding future collaboration and the potential of Mercosur to enhance regional trade.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
