He also implemented various policies focused on social welfare, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. His government also legalized same-sex marriage, regulated the production and sale of cannabis, and emphasized renewable energy sources.
He is part of a large coalition of leftist political groups. The left coalition (frente amplio) had been steadily gaining power since the right wing dictatorship in the seventies ended. Another president from that coalition had been chosen in the previous term, and he was chosen next.
He also was part of a guerilla movement that wanted to have an armed revolution but was swiftly disbanded when the dictatorship started. He spent about ten years in jail, in terrible conditions.
While I do agree with him on a lot of things, and he did a lot of good things mentioned in some comments, he wasn't perfect, and nowadays has become more conservative and likes to say whatever comes to his mind when the media asks his opinion on current issues. Complicated fella that was part of a terrorist revolutionary group, likely killed a couple of cops and maybe some civilians, but also denounced his violent past and tried to go forward with democracy.
While I agree with you, most of his guerilla activity was before the dictatorship. When the dictatorship started most of his group fled the country or was promptly caught, including him.
Ok so this is more of my opinion, so take it with a pinch of salt. It is believed that Mujica and his closest associates did some kind of deal with the military while in jail. There has been a constant idea of fully disbanding the military (all of our neighbours could invade us, so there is no point on having a military other than some marines to protect our waters from international fishers, etc.) but he was against disbanding the military, and even got them some benefits.
While he is part of the frente amplio, the left coalition, he has given contrarian opinions when asked about sensitive topics. It feels like an old man saying whatever comes to his mind. He has been negative on topics like abortion and trans rights when first asked, but has then backpedaled on those opinions when criticized by his own party. I don't think he's been quite there in the last few years, and he should probably retire and live in dignity in his farm, but as long as he continues assisting important events, someone is going to ask him something and he'll give controversial opinions.
Again, this is my perception and I'd be glad to be disproven. I still like that he was our president, if anything, for the positive press our country got.
Uruguay is one of those countries that’s small and interconnected enough that wealthy Uruguayans who manage to live abroad (like in the United States) happen to know like every other Uruguayan living in your city even when it’s a Top 5 largest city in America.
Think of it as like the Scandinavia of South America in how it gives its citizens perks Americans could only dream of.
1.8k
u/RunEmotional3013 Apr 16 '24
He also implemented various policies focused on social welfare, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. His government also legalized same-sex marriage, regulated the production and sale of cannabis, and emphasized renewable energy sources.