Uruguay: Presidential candidates debate economy, development

[sandensea]

2. One look at Argentina's Macrisis should tell Uruguayans everything they need to know about Lacalle

He and Macri are very similar in both right-wing outlook and that self-important sense of entitlement that bedevils much of the region's upper class, sadly - and indeed the world's.

But inevitably, 15 years of the same party in power tends to create a good bit of voter fatigue - even with as a good record as the Broad Front's is.

Some voters will opt for a change at that point, even for the sake of change - which as you know tends to be a bad idea.

And because the two economies (like their histories and cultures) are so closely interconnected, Argentina's Macrisis has pushed neighboring Uruguay into a mild - but worsening - recession of its own. And that, of course, plays into Lacalle's hands as well.

So the outcome of this one is still very up in the air for Uruguay. As Martínez said in the debate, they're "a small country that's done great things."

Let's hope they stay the course.

Thanks as always for your sharp insights, Judi, and for taking the time. These are definitely tumultuous times - even for little Uruguay.