MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — President-elect Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay has decided to forgo the opulence of the official presidential residence, opting instead to reside with his family in a humble coastal town named Salinas, situated just outside the capital, Montevideo.
Orsi shared his reasoning during a press conference on Saturday, which was publicized the following day. He explained that the choice to stay in Salinas was influenced by his children, who are now at a critical stage in their education, specifically secondary school. Orsi emphasized the importance of their stability during this period, stating, “We resolved some things like staying there in Salinas; my children are going through another stage, which is secondary education, and they are going to do it there.” Salinas is located approximately 38 kilometers (24 miles) east of Montevideo, and while Orsi indicated that his family would frequently travel to the capital for official duties, their primary residence would remain in Salinas.
This decision mirrors that of former President José Mujica, who, upon taking office on March 1, 2010, also declined to live in the extravagant three-story Suarez palace, which boasts amenities such as a rose garden, swimming pool, sports court, and barbecue area. Instead, Mujica chose to stay on his farm located on the outskirts of Montevideo, a residence he has maintained since.
In the case of Mujica, significant renovations were necessary for his home to accommodate the security requirements of his position, including the installation of surveillance cameras and emergency exit plans. Other leaders, such as Tabaré Vázquez, who served two non-consecutive terms, and Oscar Gestido, have similarly opted out of residing in the official presidential abode, which is situated in the affluent Prado neighborhood.
Orsi was elected in November and is seen as the political successor to Mujica. His election signifies a noteworthy shift in Uruguay’s governance, marking the reinstatement of a center-left administration after five years under conservative leadership.
