Read on France 24Gabriel Oddone Defends Uruguay's Social Democratic Model at OECD Forum
Uruguay's Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone delivers a compelling defense of the social democratic model at the OECD's Latin America Forum in Paris. He argues that welfare state, fiscal responsibility, and inequality reduction represent a deep national consensus in Uruguay, contrasting with the hard-right shift in much of Latin America. Oddone also highlights the EU-Mercosur accord as a 'civilisational approach' rooted in shared European values.
At the OECD's International Economic Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean in Paris, Uruguay's Minister of Economy and Finance, Gabriel Oddone, made a striking case for the social democratic model. Speaking at a time when much of Latin America appears to be embracing hard-right socio-political and economic policies, Oddone argued that Uruguay's commitment to social protection, fiscal responsibility, and inequality reduction is not an ideological anomaly but the expression of a deep national consensus.
Oddone emphasized that Uruguay's path remains distinct, particularly in contrast to neighboring Argentina's experiment with radical market liberalization. "We believe that social cohesion and the reduction of inequality are crucial for the country," he stated, presenting welfare not as a burden but as a foundation for stability and prosperity. He spoke highly of his more right-wing counterparts in the region, highlighting productive and pragmatic working relationships.
In the broader geopolitical context, Oddone offered a nuanced vision of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. He rejected purely commercial interpretations, describing it as "a civilisational approach." He argued that Uruguay shares with Europe a common understanding of "how to manage the economy, how to regulate the economy, how to regulate the markets, how to combine the policies between private sector and public sector."
Oddone contended that Uruguay's political and cultural identity remains deeply European: "Uruguay is closer to Europe than it is to the United States in that regard," he said, emphasizing shared traditions of statecraft, social protection, and public institutions. This perspective underscores Uruguay's unique position in Latin America, blending fiscal discipline with robust social safety nets. His remarks offered a compelling counter-narrative to the region's prevailing rightward drift, reinforcing the idea that the social democratic model remains viable and consensual in Uruguay. For more details, see the original France 24 interview.
