Page 69 - Across the Andes: Chile’s Atacama Desert & Argentina’s Northwest

In 1981, General Gregorio Álvarez assumed the presidency. Massive protests against the
dictatorship broke out in 1984. After a 24-hour general strike, talks began and the armed
forces announced a plan for return to civilian rule. National elections were held later in 1984.
Colorado Party leader Julio María Sanguinetti won the presidency and, following the brief
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administration implemented economic reforms and consolidated democratization following
the country’s years under military rule. Nonetheless, Sanguinetti never supported the human
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engaged in repression and torture against either the Tupamaros or the MLN. Instead, he opted
for signing an amnesty treaty called in Spanish “Ley de Amnistia.”

Around 180 Uruguayans are known to have been killed during the 12-year military rule from
1973-1985. Most were killed in Argentina and other neighbouring countries, with only 36 of
them having been killed in Uruguay. A large number of those killed, were never found and the
missing people have been referred to as the “disappeared”, or “desaparecidos” in Spanish.

Modern History
Sanguinetti’s economic reforms, focusing on the attraction of foreign trade and capital,
achieved some success and stabilized the economy. In order to promote national reconciliation
and facilitate the return of democratic civilian rule, Sanguinetti secured public approval by
plebiscite of a controversial general amnesty for military leaders accused of committing
human rights violations under the military regime and sped the release of former guerrillas.

The National Party’s Luis Alberto Lacalle won the 1989 presidential election and served from
1990 to 1995. President Lacalle executed major economic structural reforms and pursued
further liberalization of trade regimes, including Uruguay’s inclusion in the Southern Common
Market (MERCOSUR) in 1991. Despite economic growth during Lacalle’s term, adjustment
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referendum.

In the 1994 elections, former President Sanguinetti won a new term, which ran from 1995
until March 2000. As no single party had a majority in the General Assembly, the National
Party joined with Sanguinetti’s Colorado Party in a coalition government. The Sanguinetti
government continued Uruguay’s economic reforms and integration into MERCOSUR. Other
important reforms were aimed at improving the electoral system, social security, education,
and public safety. The economy grew steadily for most of Sanguinetti’s term until low
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1999, which continued into 2002.

The 1999 national elections were held under a new electoral system established by a 1996
constitutional amendment. Primaries in April decided single presidential candidates for each
party, and national elections on October 31 determined representation in the legislature. As
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National Party, defeated Broad Front candidate Tabaré Vázquez.

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