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“Scandinavian taxes, Central American services” complains Uruguayan president

Thursday, November 11th 2010 - 21:07 UTC
Full article 12 comments

Uruguay’s president Jose Mujica admitted his frustration in ruling the South American democracy because between the power of the unions and the huge state bureaucracy it virtually “impedes you from getting anything done”. Read full article

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  • AleM

    You created the monster, Mujica... now you can't kill it. You and your guerilla and Frente Amplio colleagues. Yes, you're 75... took you quite a while to see the real world instead of your utopic fantasy, didn't it?

    Nov 11th, 2010 - 09:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • mastershakejb

    LOL sounds like AleM is jealous of Uruguay and Mujica, so typical, he's probly from failing economy UK

    Nov 11th, 2010 - 09:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • AleM

    @mastershakejb i am from Uruguay... seems you didn't quite understand my comment. You can keep Mujica if you like him so much... I'll FedEx him to you wrapped and with a nice red ribbon on his head.

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 01:17 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • mastershakejb

    So what is it about his policies do you dislike? How has he done wrong by Uruguay since he entered office?

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 04:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • AleM

    As I said, Mujica and his party (from the opposition) were themselves the ones who —for decades— empowered unions, crippled any intents of making the state more efficient, attacked democracy and created a national culture that embraces mediocrity and laziness.

    Now (in office) he complains about it... he sees and suffers the consequences of the monster he himself helped create.

    Now, you tell me, what is there to like about a guy like that?

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 06:46 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • mastershakejb

    He donates 87 percent of his state salary to housing for poor, instead of TAKING from taxpayers, like 99.99 percent of politicians in the world do today. That alone makes him stand out. The economy is improving, as is infrastructure, there isn't that much to complain about honestly....especially when you compare it to its neighbors. Hell, don't even need to compare it just to its neighbors, compare it to nearly any nation in the world right now. Most nations are floundering in debt or corruption, or incredible crime. I'm glad to have a clean politician.

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 09:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • AleM

    Do you think that giving away 8000 dollars a month from his salary has ANY impact whatsoever on taxes?? Are you so naive? That is a purely demagogic move. One more to add to his long list.

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 01:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • rylang23

    Wow, AleM, please tell us what you want Uruguay to look like? What do you want?What is your agenda?

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 04:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • AleM

    What do I want? Read the article, please.

    I want exactly what Mujica is saying: government emploees that work, unions that do not hijack the whole country to defend there corporate interests, an efficient State and better spending of my tax money. HE is saying that... not me.

    The only thing I am pointing out is that it was this very Mujica and his friends who helped create the conditions that he is now complaining about and that prevent him from doing all he says he wants to do.

    No agenda, rylang23... just that simple comment. Sorry if it is too hard to understand. Anyway, point made, I won't be bothering you any more. You can have your own view, of course.

    Cheers!

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 05:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • rylang23

    AleM... I am an American and I am moving to your beautiful country. I can hear your frustration, and during my visits to Uruguay I have witnessed some of the things both you and Mujica are pointing out. If you were to come to the US and experience the economic crash (the home foreclosures, the bankruptcies, the health care crisis, the domination of the oligarchy over the function of government, etc.) you might see Uruguay in a different light. Please believe me, you would not like what is happening in the US.

    By comparison, Uruguay is barely experiencing any of the fallout from the First World economic crisis. That, all by itself, is a wonderful thing. Something is being done very right in Uruguay. Also, what both you and Mujica are wanting to correct, could result in some things that are very valuable for Uruguay being lost (the slower pace of living, the importance of relationships vs. efficiency, the local control of the economy vs. control dominated by multinationals, etc.). There can be a balance, and by not having to fight the oligarchy, Uruguay can make its way toward more efficiency and better use of revenue.

    I ask you to have patience and to support taking small steps toward these goals, so as to not throw out the baby with the bath water. In my humble opinion, Uruguay is positioned very well to become a better country.

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 06:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • mastershakejb

    I agree with “rylang23” exactly.
    Also, the “services” in Uruguay are NOT “Central American” services. I've lived in Central America, and Uruguay is a far call from any Central American nation. It's still very inefficient compared to SOME nations, no doubt! But it's FAR above central america, and it's noticeably improving, instead of deteriorating as it is in MOST of the world. You should honestly be cherishing this time in Uruguay's history AleM, because Uruguay is on the cusp of a second Golden Era, things are improving, and your politicians are fairly clean. Compared to the rest of the world right now, Uruguay doing quite well.........or you can continue complaining I guess, maybe you'd prefer to have the same old corrupt leaders who got you nowhere for the last 50ish years eh?

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 06:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (10) Rylang 23 and (11) Mastershakejb

    I have had the pleasure to live many years in several of the “´Top 20” Countries of the World and I must say that I totally agree with both of your evaluations about Uruguay....

    Enjoy

    Nov 12th, 2010 - 07:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0

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