Uruguay’s Future Seen in Free Trade
A decade after guiding Uruguay back to democratic rule, President-elect Julio Maria Sanguinetti will oversee the country’s entry into a regional free-trade zone.
Sanguinetti, of the Colorado Party, won a narrow victory in Sunday’s election over rivals from the ruling National Party, known as the Blancos, and a leftist coalition. He takes office March 1.
The charismatic political veteran served as president from 1985 to 1990 after a military dictatorship gave up power.
Uruguay enters the Mercosur customs union with Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay in 1995.
The Interior Ministry said Monday that the Colorado Party won 29.63% of the vote against 28.57% for the National Party and 28.07% for the Progressive Encounter coalition.
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