- Yamandú Orsi became new President of Uruguay.
- Yamandú Orsi, a leftist leader and former mayor, became Uruguay’s new President.
- He narrowly won the November election against the ruling centre-right coalition.
- The outgoing conservative President Luis Lacalle Pou presented him with the presidential sash during a ceremony.
- High living costs, inequality and persistent levels of violent crime have dented the popularity of Lacalle Pou’s outgoing government.
- In 2024, approximately 19% of Uruguay’s population lived in “multidimensional” poverty.
- Uruguay’s economy is mainly driven by farm exports.
- Uruguay is a key U.S. ally in the region but China is the top trading partner. It will be a challenge for the new government to maintain relations with both countries.
