The contribution of this new program is that it innovates in going to the very heart of the democratic spirit in the world, and in particular in Uruguaywhich are those who are directly in contact with people, such as the local authoritiesand that day by day they have to find solutions to people’s problems.
(The authorities) are the gateway, the first visible face that the country has when it comes to making local investments that have environmental, coexistence and regional community issues. What we seek with this program is to contribute to closing a gap that unfortunately exists in the country between the preparation and the powers that local governments have.
It is important that it be a program that includes the entire ideological spectrum of the country, all ages, all regions, and, obviously, that it has a natural gender balance in order to generate an initial group of participants.
Q: Along those lines, what is your view of what happened in the internal elections in terms of participation? Is it something to take into account? Is it worrying?
Yes, it is a global trend. It is not something exclusive to the Uruguayit is being seen everywhere, people are increasingly less likely to vote. Part of the spirit of this democratic program is to awaken that public vocation that Uruguayans have, that is why it is not exclusive to activists, but also to people who are not involved in politics, so that they come closer and see a gateway.
We are convinced that in the Uruguay There is a huge reserve of value to offer to the country that today does not find a natural gateway to be a councilor, mayor, alderman, intendant, or to occupy any position within the departmental structure.
Q: So what is your take on the low turnout? Apathy? Dissatisfaction? Lack of offers?
This must be discussed with public opinion experts, because you cannot draw such a hasty conclusion. America Cupthe weather, the cold, the holidays… It is much more complex than the aspects that have been discussed. It is a phenomenon, as I say, global. So, it is not something that we have to look at outside at a national level, it is happening.
The disenchantment with democracy is shown by the hard evidence that has been analyzed in scientific work, and it comes hand in hand with the failure of the democratic system to achieve concrete results that change people’s lives with quality public services. Therein lies the love for democracy when it really manages to implement public policies and be effective.
Let us also be clear that this democratic cycle that we have been experiencing since 1985, is the longest and deepest in the history of the Uruguay Since 1830, there are no 40 consecutive years of full and uninterrupted democracy. We must take care of it, we must be aware that what we have today is not normal in the world. Only 10% of the population lives in full democratic regimes like ours. We are there and we must take care of it like a treasure.
Q: Do you have a position on the debate on the possible mandatory internal elections?
I think it’s an interesting topic to discuss in the next electoral cycle. I think it has to be part of the discussion, I think that’s good. It has to be discussed, as well as the obligation of national elections. We have to put everything in the same bag.
Q: The Electoral Court has now officially confirmed that the signatures have been collected and that there will be a plebiscite on the reform of social security. What will the debate be like from now on?
A critical fact is confirmed. Citizens will be exposed on October 27 to a decision that affects the course of the Uruguay. It is the most dramatic thing on the table in the next election. It implies a change of course that Uruguay It has been swinging more to the left and more to the right over the last 40 years, but it is focused on the path of countries that have been successful in development. Well, this proposal goes in the other direction, it goes down a path that is new, unknown.
In fact, what is known from similar experiences are failures. Therefore, it is tremendously risky and from my point of view counterproductive and negative to move forward with this. plebisciteBut I am optimistic, because I believe that if a low vote is achieved, it will be a resounding ratification supported by all the candidates who are running for the presidential election, which Uruguay It is not for sudden changes, it is for accelerating processes, improving deficiencies, improving policies, but not making a U-turn that leads us down a disastrous and unknown path, but rather the opposite.
The way forward is to provide certainty about the direction the country has taken, which has transcended parties and which must be explored further in this regard, not derailed.
Q: Are all presidential candidates, including the Frente Amplio, now subject to expressing themselves?
It is the people who will decide, regardless of what the politicians say. I believe in the people. In other words, what we have to talk to here is to the people so that they understand what is at stake and know that the future of the country is in their hands.
Source: Ambito
