International
Orsi inaugurated as Uruguay’s leader, vows to tackle crime and inequality
Yamandú Orsi was sworn in as Uruguay’s President this Saturday, outlining his top priorities for his administration: the economy, security, poverty, and the search for those disappeared during the dictatorship.
The former presidential candidate from the Frente Amplio delivered a 25-minute speech before the Uruguayan General Assembly, laying out the broad guidelines of his policies while signaling openness to dialogue with the political opposition.
At the beginning of his address, he acknowledged 40 years of democracy in Uruguay but emphasized that the scars of the dictatorship remain.
“This is why it is both fair and essential to uphold our commitment to freedom, truth, and justice,” he stated, drawing applause from the audience.
His commitment to finding those who disappeared during the dictatorship resurfaced at the end of his speech:
“Our democracy will be healthier the day every Uruguayan family knows where their missing loved ones are.”
On the economic front, Orsi emphasized Uruguay’s legal security and macroeconomic stability.
“The positive accumulation of past efforts has made Uruguay a country with stable rules, where contracts are honored, where the state fulfills its commitments, and where macroeconomic stability is a state policy,” he highlighted.
He acknowledged differences in economic policy approaches, stating:
“We may disagree on the tools to achieve a fairer distribution of national wealth—something we deeply value—but we will not ignore the economic principles Uruguay has upheld since the restoration of democracy.”
Regarding security, Orsi took a firm stance:
“There will be no leniency toward crime or its repression,” he declared, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
However, he also warned that a purely repressive approach would be insufficient:
“We know well that any solution will be incomplete—and even demagogic—if we fail to address the many root causes of violence.”
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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