Who is Yamandú Orsi, the next president of Uruguay?

Left-wing politician Yamandú Orsi is on track to become Uruguay’s next president after his main rival in the second round conceded defeat on Sunday and even the South American country’s outgoing leader congratulated him.

His victory marks the return of a center-left government to the presidency of Uruguay after five years of a conservative administration.

But who is Yamandu Orsi?

From working class family to heir to the left

History professor, folk dancer and former mayor, the 57-year-old politician is considered the political heir of former president José Mujica, who accompanied him in his campaign and praised him as a new leader capable of finding the right balance between the complex dynamics of the social, political and economic board.

Orsi was born on June 13, 1967 in the rural area of ​​the department of Canelones. His father was a vineyard farmer and his mother was a seamstress. He has several similarities with his political godfather, such as a love of the countryside and a quiet lifestyle. Throughout the campaign, he was often photographed drinking mate, walking his dog, and wearing casual suits. His administration will take office next March and, like Mujica, he has said that he will not live in the presidential residence.

He turned left after the dictatorship

While living in the country, his sister taught him to read and write. But the young Orsi began to shape his political opinions and desires in the midst of the dictatorship in Uruguay, which lasted from 1973 to 1983.

After the end of the dictatorship, Orsi joined the Popular Participation Movement led by Mujica, the former guerrilla leader who became president in 2010.

He promises a renewed left in Uruguay

Orsi focused his campaign on promoting environmentally friendly policies, promises of support for small producers, and social inclusion policies. He has also promised a renewal of the left by favoring dialogue with everyone, and insisted during the campaign that he is not planning any drastic changes in the country of 3.5 million inhabitants.

Although he says it is important to promote social well-being, Orsi has used a friendly tone towards the market and the private sector.

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