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MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, July 5th 2025 - 17:09 UTC

Uruguay

  • 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.

  • Tuesday, April 29th 2025 - 10:17 UTC

    Two Uruguayans held under slave-like conditions rescued in Brazil

    The man had been working for nine years as a domestic employee and was forced to tattoo his employers' initials as a mark of ownership.

    Two Uruguayans, a homosexual man and a trans woman, were rescued in Planura, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, after years of slave-like conditions. Lured via social media with false job promises, they endured physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, including forced tattoos of their employers' initials. The man worked unregistered for nine years, while the trans woman, held for six months, suffered a stroke.

  • Monday, April 28th 2025 - 10:18 UTC

    Uruguayan university study favors taxation on cigarettes

    At least 15% of adult deaths in Uruguay are believed to be caused by smoking

    In Montevideo, a Universidad de la República (Udelaar) study projected that a 60% increase in cigarette taxes from 2025 to 2028 would reduce smoking by 19%, preventing 49,000 smokers, and increase tax revenue by 24%, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

  • Saturday, April 26th 2025 - 10:49 UTC

    Ancap back in the red after 5 years of Multicolor rule, Orsi says

    Orsi announced a management overhaul that would not impact Uruguayan consumers

    Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi announced Friday that the state-owned fuel company Ancap recorded a loss of US$ 118 million last year under the opposition government of Luis Lacalle Pou, contrasting with a US$ 41 million profit in 2019 when the country was headed by the late Tabaré Vázquez of the currently ruling Broad Front (Frente Amplio - FA).

  • Friday, April 25th 2025 - 10:35 UTC

    Uruguay halts Neptuno water supply project for 90 days

    Orsi's government wants to review the terms of the contract signed by the previous administration

    The Uruguayan Government of President Yamandú Orsi and the Aguas de Montevideo consortium signed an agreement Thursday to suspend the Neptuno Project contract for 90 days. This temporary halt pauses the construction of the Arazatí water treatment plant to renegotiate terms established under the previous administration. A Torre Ejecutiva working group will review the contract to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply and institutional transparency.

  • Thursday, April 24th 2025 - 10:43 UTC

    Montevideo's Carrasco Airport to reach top international standards

    Carrasco will be closed between August and September to update its ILS systems

    Montevideo's Carrasco Airport's international status will be upgraded to a Category III B Instrument Landing System (ILS) after an investment of more than US$ 20 million. The improvement will enable safer and more efficient operations in adverse weather conditions. Work has already begun on the alternate runway and will be extended to the main runway in June.