Get our news on your inbox! x

Remember me Forgot password

MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, April 9th 2026 - 20:57 UTC

Uruguay

  • Tuesday, August 5th 2025 - 21:26 UTC

    Uruguay's population projected to decline over time

    A smaller population could decrease housing demand in major cities like Montevideo

    A study released this week by Uruguay's National Institute of Statistics (INE) showed that the South American country's population will have dwindled by nearly half a million people by 2070, falling from approximately 3.49 million to 3 million, due primarily to a low birth rate, an aging population, and a net loss to emigration.

  • Tuesday, August 5th 2025 - 08:27 UTC

    Uruguayan public sector unions call nationwide strike over inadequate wage proposal

    The strike aligns with a broader general strike called by the PIT-CNT, Uruguay’s main labor federation, under the slogan “More jobs and better wages”

    Uruguay’s Confederation of State Employees' Organizations (COFE) announced a 24-hour nationwide strike on August 12, rejecting the government’s proposed wage adjustment for public sector workers. The decision was unanimously approved during a national assembly attended by over 35 unions.

  • Tuesday, August 5th 2025 - 08:25 UTC

    Suspected parcel in Uruguay leads to seizure of military-grade rifles

    The operation, conducted by the Southern Regional Surveillance Department of the National Customs Directorate (DNA), led to the confiscation of a Ruger 8500 and a DS Arms DSZM4

    Uruguayan customs authorities seized two military-grade rifles on Monday during a routine inspection at a transportation agency in Montevideo. The weapons were discovered inside what officials described as a “suspicious parcel.”

  • Friday, August 1st 2025 - 21:33 UTC

    Nin Novoa becomes Uruguay's new Ambassador to Brazil

    During Vázquez's first presidency (2005-2010), Nin Novoa was vice president

    Former Uruguayan Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa, who served under late President Tabaré Vázquez (2015-2020), has presented his credentials as the country's new Ambassador to Brazil. During Vázquez's first presidency (2005-2010), Nin Novoa was Vice President.

  • Friday, August 1st 2025 - 10:47 UTC

    US tariffs: Argentina and Uruguay charged only 10%

    The new scenario could bring on some opportunities for Uruguay, Oddone noted

    As the new tariffs scheme established by US President Donald Trump became effective Friday, Uruguay and Argentina were among the least affected countries, with surcharges of only 10%, a steep difference from Canada's 35% or Brazil's 50% and a default 15% surcharge unless otherwise specified.

  • Thursday, July 31st 2025 - 09:00 UTC

    Uruguayan court sentences Iranian traveling on a fake passport to 3 months in jail

    In a separate court ruling, two former military officers were convicted of crimes against humanity

    An Iranian citizen has been sentenced to three months in prison in Uruguay for entering the country with a fake Israeli passport. The man had previously been deported from El Salvador, where he also used the forged document.

  • Thursday, July 31st 2025 - 08:23 UTC

    Uruguay investigates youth detention center over alleged torture and abuse

    Uruguay’s human rights institution confirmed that it found “violations of the rights of youth,” especially regarding interpersonal violence, prolonged confinement, and inadequate infrastructure

    Two deputy directors of the Centro Las Piedras—a facility within Uruguay’s juvenile justice system—have been removed from their posts following serious allegations of violence and potential torture against adolescents in custody, Búsqueda weekly reported.

  • Wednesday, July 30th 2025 - 20:31 UTC

    Uruguay: Concerning surge in syphilis reported

    Social gaps and reckless practices contribute to the spread of the disease

    Uruguayan health authorities reported a concerning surge in syphilis cases, with reported figures nearly doubling from around 3,566 in 2020 to between 7,035 and 7,091 in 2024. This increase is reflected in the incidence rate, which jumped from 101 to 196 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Males are disproportionately affected, and over 50% of diagnoses are in the 18-29 age group. Social inequalities exacerbate the problem, with vulnerable populations having limited access to healthcare and essential resources.

  • Wednesday, July 30th 2025 - 10:51 UTC

    Uruguay reverts to previous passport version after all

    The decision was made after Germany and France needed “more time” to evaluate the case, leaving travelers in a limbo

    Uruguay's Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that they are reverting to the previous version of the national passport, effective August 1. This decision comes after the new passport format, introduced on April 16, faced difficulties with long-stay visa approvals in several countries, notably Germany and France.

  • Tuesday, July 29th 2025 - 10:30 UTC

    HSBC sells out operations in Uruguay to leading Brazilian bank

    BTG Pactual is already present in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina

    Brazilian bank BTG Pactual has acquired the Uruguayan operations of British bank HSBC for US$175 million, marking BTG Pactual's entry into Uruguay and HSBC's exit from the market as part of its global restructuring strategy. The deal, announced on Monday, includes both equity and additional capital instruments and is subject to regulatory approvals.