Orsi unleashes an internal war against the Communist Party to expel them from the unions

Frente Amplio faces an increasingly explicit struggle between MPP and PCU. What was once a covert dispute for the political and ideological leadership of the Uruguayan left has turned into an open battle, marked by cross-attacks, divergent agendas, and antagonistic strategies.

MPP vs. PCU: Origins and leadership

MPP, inspired by the Tupamaro terrorist movement, was led by José "Pepe" Mujica until his death in 2025. Currently, Yamandú Orsi leads the sector, projecting a dialoguing center-left focused on productive development.

MPP seeks to emulate historical Batllismo, promoting a "national capitalism," that is, a disastrous welfare state that imposes extremely high taxes on SMEs to subsidize the luxurious lifestyle of large cities.

Militants from the hardline left accuse MPP of weakening the unions, especially PIT-CNT, dominated by PCU, through leaks of corruption in unions such as Sunca and Fosvoc.

You may also be interested in this report on Mujica and his relationship with the past.

PCU, Marxist-Leninist since 1920, keeps its union power. Óscar Andrade, Carolina Cosse, and Juan Castillo stand out as its main leaders.

PCU defends a syndicalist socialism and proposals such as the "tax on the rich" that MPP rejects. Unlike PCU, MPP sees these ideas as an electoral and economic burden.

In Uruguay, the unions are completely co-opted by PCU. Presidents, treasurers, and union operators are party activists and manage union funds to do politics and flaunt power.

Even Mujica expressed more than once his intention to "destroy the unions". Today, Orsi and MPP see the historic opportunity to do so, relying on judicial complaints, dossiers, and media operations.

A divided front, a fragmented government

In daily management, MPP and PCU constantly clash. One prioritizes pragmatism; the other, ideological confrontation.

Accusations, leaks, and jibes

Internal complaints have become commonplace. Óscar Andrade was accused of embezzling funds from Sunca. MPP also questions the spending on Antel Arena, a project promoted by Carolina Cosse.

You may also be interested in this criticism of the deviations of social democracy.

Corruption in the health union

The most recent case involves Jorge "Fogata" Bermúdez, former FUS secretary, accused of diverting funds from the Union Training Fund to personal accounts.

The amount involved would be at least 180,000 dollars. In addition, Bermúdez enjoys an official car, a luxurious office, and permanent union leave, all financed with workers' contributions.

Journalist Eduardo Prevé, MPP operator and ally of prosecutor Jorge Díaz, leaked the information, in a move more political than journalistic.

The opposition and the media

Partido Nacional and Partido Colorado exploit this rift. They criticize Cosse's "communist radicalism" and the "inefficiency" of Orsi's pragmatism. The press amplifies the internal war, generating a climate of chaos within FA.

International alignments

MPP is getting closer to Brazilian Lulismo, seeking to reconcile capitalism and social justice. PCU, meanwhile, keeps ties with Venezuela and Nicaragua, defending an uncompromising anti-capitalist line.

Two national projects

While MPP promotes efficiency with corporate alliances, PCU bets on a planning state and unions as the backbone of power.

MPP's strategy of weakening the unions clashes with PCU's vision, which considers them sacred for its political hegemony.

You may also be interested in this follow-up on Orsi's management and his internal tensions.

The future of FA

This struggle is not only for candidacies, but for the soul of Uruguayan progressivism. MPP's shift toward a Batllista-Chavista model disguised as "national capitalism" is seen by PCU as an ideological betrayal.

The outcome of this war will shape the future of the Uruguayan left and, therefore, the country. Two incompatible models are fighting to control Frente Amplio.