Uruguay: The left is back in power… The new president prefers to stay in his humble home than living in the presidential palace
The president-elect of Uruguay, Yamandu Orsi has made a decision that reflects his modesty and commitment to simple living, as he announced that he won’t reside in the official presidential residence, preferring to stay with his family in the coastal city of Salinas, located outside the capital Montevideo.
In press statements published on Sunday, the leftist politician explained that his decision was made in consideration of his family’s circumstances, saying, “We made some decisions, including staying in Salinas, where my children continue their secondary education”.
Salinas is located 38 kilometers east of Montevideo, however, Orsi noted that he and his family will sometimes have to spend the night in the capital due to the demands of presidential work.
The decision is reminiscent of what former Uruguayan President José Mujica did when he took office in March 2010, when he refused to live in the luxurious presidential palace and chose to stay on his modest farm in Cerro, on the outskirts of Montevideo, where he still lives today.
To ensure his security, some modifications were made to Mujica’s residence, such as adding surveillance cameras and escape routes, but that didn’t deter him from clinging to his simple life.
Orsi and Mujica weren’t the only ones who refused to live in the official residence, as they were preceded by Tabare Vázquez (2005-2010 and 2015-2020) and Óscar Gestido (1967), who preferred to stay away from the upscale Prado neighborhood where the presidential palace is located.
Yamandu Orsi won the last presidential election in November and is seen as Mujica’s political heir.
His victory also marks the return of the left to power in Uruguay after five years of conservative rule.
