Uruguay is losing its reputation as Latin America’s success story
Crime and corruption scandals have hurt Luis Lacalle Pou, the conservative president
Squeezed between politically polarised Brazil and economically dysfunctional Argentina, Uruguay looks like a model country. More than 95% of its electricity comes from sun, wind, water and biofuels. Same-sex couples can get married. Residents can buy cannabis from pharmacies. In international comparisons Uruguay ranks as South America’s most peaceful and least corrupt country. Other leaders skulk in palaces; Uruguay’s president, Luis Lacalle Pou, works from a glass office, overlooked by a block of flats.
This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline “Losing its sheen”
From the April 15th 2023 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from The Americas
Canada has adopted assisted dying faster than anywhere on Earth
The province of Quebec now allows those with deteriorating illnesses to request an assisted death in advance
Tether’s move to El Salvador is a win for President Nayib Bukele
Why the stablecoin firm has picked the Central American country for its headquarters
From Greenland to Panama and Mexico, leaders are in shock
As Donald Trump eyes fine new pieces of real estate in the Americas and beyond
Canada and America have been fighting about timber for 40 years
As Donald Trump takes office, the chances of a lumber deal look slim
Justin Trudeau steps down, leaving a wrecked party and a divided Canada
Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland are among those tipped as the next Liberal leader
Does made in Mexico mean made by China?
Donald Trump believes Mexico is a trojan horse for Chinese mercantilism