The Americas | Outshining Odysseus

Why Uruguayans rejected a government splurge

Thank strong parties, sensible leadership and a scary neighbour

TOPSHOT-URUGUAY-ELECTION-VOTE-MUJICA
Mr Mujica aces the marshmallow testPhotograph: Getty Images
|MONTEVIDEO

Would you like to retire five years earlier than planned with a fatter pension? Governments do not normally put such tempting questions to voters directly, for fear that they will merrily opt for jam today and disregard the disastrous fiscal consequences for tomorrow.

This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline “Jam tomorrow”

From the November 2nd 2024 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from The Americas

The illustration shows a serene woman blending with dots, symbolising introspection, transformation or fragmented identity. Replicating Alzheimer’s disease.

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

El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele

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


A cargo ship passes through a lock of the Panama Canal

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