He National Party (PN) faces a new episode of scandal with the conviction of the former mayor of Artigas, Pablo Caramthe resignation of his cousin, general secretary of the mayor’s office, Rodolfo Caram and his niece, the former deputy, Valentina Dos Santos, for involvement in the overtime case.
Yesterday the PN published a letter where it accepts the resignation of the former deputy and the former secretary of the Artigas Municipality, while they reported that the former mayor of Artigas – who was disqualified from holding public office after his indictment – requested that his case be evaluated by the Ethics Committee of the match.
It is worth remembering that Rodolfo Caram He has already been convicted by the courts, as has his cousin Pablo, who received a total of 14 months in prison with probation. Meanwhile, Valentina Dos Santos He was sentenced to six months in prison, also with probation, and two months of community service.
Pablo Caram’s defense
Previously, Pablo Caram He had regretted the situation in which he found himself, an end that, according to him, tarnished his honour. “Due to the conduct of third parties, my honour was tarnished, my integrity was questioned,” he said in a letter he published on the subject, adding: “If I failed to do something, which is what I am being questioned about, I did it without any intention.”
“I want to make it clear that I filed the complaint, and with all this I understand that I can continue walking and touring the department with my head held high, with a clear conscience, being able to look each one of you in the eye,” he said.
The rejection of the political spectrum and the uncomfortable situation of the PN
The leader of Town meeting was one of the members of the coalition who came out to reject the event. “This is what is happening in Artigas It is shameful, regrettable and ultimately, this ruling by the Justice Department, although it proves guilt, also leaves a bitter taste in society,” he said. Guido Manini Rios.
“It is unacceptable for Uruguayans that the use of public funds is done with the discretion that is often done,” he added and recalled other similar events such as the case of Pluma and Antel Arena.
Meanwhile, the former Minister of Labor and Social Security, Pablo Mieres, He posted his opinion on the matter on X’s account. “We want to express our strongest condemnation of the acts of corruption that occurred in the Municipality of Artigas. We hope that Justice continues to act as it should, bringing down all the responsibilities and sanctions that correspond,” he posted on his social networks.
He National Party has gone through a series of political scandals in recent years that have put him in uncomfortable situations. The latest is this case where the rejection of the political spectrum, even from members of the Multicolor Coalition, and the little political maneuvering that the president has Luis Lacalle Pou On this subject, it makes things worse.
The fact that the convicted officials are elected has a negative impact on the president, as he is not free to remove them from their posts in an attempt to demonstrate transparency and strength within the government.
The scandal over overtime at the Artigas City Hall
In March 2023, the councilors of the Broad Front (FA) filed a criminal complaint against the Municipality of Artigas for overtime paid irregularly. Then, the mayor of the Colorado Party (PC), Daniel Argañarazreported 13 municipal officials who belonged to Caram’s group for the same incident.
In this regard, the departmental legislator pointed out that the Artigas government was neither “crystal clear” nor “transparent” and that there were cases of officials with up to 188 hours of overtime per month, that is, more overtime hours than hours worked.
Source: Ambito
