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.
