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MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, May 21st 2025 - 03:41 UTC

Uruguay

  • Friday, May 9th 2025 - 09:53 UTC

    Flight 571 survivor Daniel Fernández Strauch dies aged 77

    “Of all the survivors of the Andes, he was one of the most emotional,” Bayona said about Fernández Strauch

    Uruguayan Air Force Flight #571 survivor Daniel Fernández Strauch died in Montevideo Thursday, aged 77. He was 26 in 1972, at the time of the accident which inspired books and film productions worldwide. He became the fourth survivor to pass away, following Javier Methol (2015), José Luis Inciarte (2023), and Álvaro Mangino (2025).

  • Thursday, May 8th 2025 - 10:23 UTC

    Orsi disagrees with Pepe Mujica on PIT-CNT's role during previous gov't

    Orsi also insisted that an agreement needs to be reached on the Neptune drinking water project

    Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi disagreed with former President José Pepe Mujica’s remarks about the PIT-CNT union during a May 1st event, noting he discussed “more important things” with his former mentor. He also reckoned on taking note of the labor grouping's approach, particularly regarding upcoming wage council negotiations.

  • Tuesday, May 6th 2025 - 10:49 UTC

    Growth reported in Uruguay's foreign trade

    Meanwhile, Uruguay's INE showed a slight decline in inflation

    Uruguay's foreign trade showed growth in April 2025, with exports increasing by 4% compared to the same period last year, a Uruguay XXI study released in Montevideo Monday showed. Total exports for the month reached US$ 1.033 billion, while cumulative exports from January to April amounted to US$ 3.92 billion, also marking a 4% year-on-year increase.

  • Monday, May 5th 2025 - 10:24 UTC

    Fully electric China Zorrilla ship launched in Australia

    The China Zorrilla is due in Uruguay in Q4 of 2025

    The China Zorrilla, the world’s largest 100% electric ferry, was launched on May 2, 2025, at Incat’s shipyard in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Commissioned by Buquebus, the 130-meter vessel will connect Argentina and Uruguay across the River Plate, carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles. The vessel is due in Uruguay in the last quarter of 2025. It was the ninth unit Incat has built for Buquebus.

  • Saturday, May 3rd 2025 - 10:55 UTC

    Mercosur FMs pledge to deepen regional integration amid global trade challenges

    For the first time in 34 years, top diplomats of all member countries met twice in less than a month

    Foreign Ministers of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur)—namely Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—gathered Friday in Buenos Aires at the San Martín Palace to advance regional integration amid global trade changes. They focused on eliminating intra-zone trade barriers, strengthening regional value chains, harmonizing regulations, and enhancing physical and digital integration.

  • Saturday, May 3rd 2025 - 10:50 UTC

    Pepe Mujica criticizes PIT-CNT central labor for inaction under Lacalle Pou

    “This talk of prioritizing the country is all just talk,” Mujica also said about Uruguayan politicians

    Former Uruguayan President José Pepe Mujica criticized the PIT-CNT central labor union for its inaction during Luis Lacalle Pou’s government (2020-205), noting the absence of strikes and claiming the group only became active under the new leftist government of Yamandú Orsi, which took office on March 1.

  • Friday, May 2nd 2025 - 09:53 UTC

    Uruguayan Labor Minister recalls the Chicago workers' protests

    Castillo urged all Uruguayans to “join efforts” and “work to take care of children and adolescents living in poverty”

    Uruguayan Labor Minister Juan Castillo Thursday underlined the need to debate reducing working hours to improve quality of life, social justice, and equality. During his Workers' Day speech broadcast on national radio and television, he recounted the historical significance of the date, referencing the Chicago workers' protests for an eight-hour workday, which led to violent repression and the prosecution of union leaders. Castillo also highlighted his country's labor milestones, including the 1915 law establishing the eight-hour workday and its 2008 extension to rural and domestic workers.

  • Thursday, May 1st 2025 - 10:38 UTC

    Uruguay’s meat consumption hits nine-year high in 2024

    Some 10,000 tons of the traditional Uruguayan barbecue were sold to the public on Wednesday throughout the country, on the eve of International Workers' Day

    Uruguayans consumed nearly 100 kilograms of meat per person in 2024, the highest level in the past nine years, according to the country’s National Meat Institute (INAC). The data confirms a strong rebound in domestic demand for animal protein, particularly beef and poultry.

  • Wednesday, April 30th 2025 - 10:53 UTC

    French company suggests building suburban train lines in Montevideo

    In addition to shortening travel times, the company highlighted comfort and security benefits

    The French consortium Setec conducted a feasibility study for a passenger train connecting Montevideo and Florida, Uruguay, with service potentially starting in 2030. The study, submitted to the Uruguayan government, proposes two lines—Montevideo to 25 de Agosto and Montevideo to Progreso—using the Central Railway infrastructure with relatively low investment.

  • Wednesday, April 30th 2025 - 07:27 UTC

    Youth Mobility Scheme for Uruguayan and British citizens starting 2025

    The Youth Mobility poster; Uruguay was the first country in South America to join the program

    In 2025, 500 British and 500 Uruguayan nationals aged 18 to 30 years old will be able to experience life and culture in each other’s country for up to 2 years, as established in the agreement that came into effect in both countries on 31 January 2024.