History teacher, folk dancer, political activist, mayor. The opposition Yamandú Orsi, political heir of former president José Mujica, has navigated many fronts throughout his 57 years and, now, aspires to become the next president of Uruguay with the promise of a renewed left.
The Frente Amplio candidate has openly received the support of “Pepe” Mujica, the former guerrilla who was in charge of Uruguay between 2010 and 2015 and who actively participated in his campaign until June. The former president praised Orsi as a new leader capable of finding balance between the complex dynamics of the social, political and economic situation.
Born on June 13, 1967 in a rural area of the Canelones region, the second largest in Uruguay, Orsi shaped his political ambitions during the dictatorship (1973-1985), when he was still a teenager.
Son of a vineyard planter and a seamstress, from his youth he was active in the ranks of the Broad Front of Canelones, first in the Artiguista Side and later in the Popular Participation Movement. While living in the country, he learned to read and write thanks to his older sister, his first “teacher.”
His campaign promises focused on promoting environmental policies, promoting and supporting small producers, and supporting social inclusion policies, pillars that also laid the foundations for his administration as mayor of Canelones, a position he held between 2015 and 2024.
With them, Mujica’s disciple now proposes to return power to the left, after a five-year hiatus after three consecutive presidential terms.
Orsi has several similarities with his political godfather, such as a taste for the countryside and a more relaxed lifestyle. Throughout the election campaign, he was often photographed having a mate, walking his dog, and wearing casual suits. Like Mujica, he assured that he will not live in the presidential residence if he is elected.
To appeal to voters in his attempt to reach the Presidency, he has opted to distance himself from previous governments and promises a renewal of the left supported by “dialogue.”
At the same time, the former professor has tried to reassure citizens and assures that he does not plan sudden changes in the country, of some 3.5 million inhabitants, one of the richest in Latin America and with traditionally moderate political positions.
Although he has insisted on the importance of promoting social well-being, Orsi has also adopted a more market-friendly tone, which has endeared him to other groups outside the leftist spectrum.
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