Communist Party of Uruguay marks 106 years with call for Latin American unity

The event focused on political unity, resistance to US interventionism, solidarity with Cuba and the defence of social rights.

Anniversary festival calls for unity against the far right

The anniversary festival took place at Club Atenas after adverse weather forecasts forced organisers to move it from its originally planned outdoor venue in Parque Batlle. Speakers included PCU general secretary and Senator Óscar Andrade, Communist Youth (UJC) representative Yuliana Iglesias, and Frente Amplio president Fernando Pereira, who addressed the gathering by video from Brazil, where he was accompanying Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during the presidential election run-off.

Andrade called on Uruguay’s left to become a stronghold for Latin American causes and to build a common front against the advance of the far right. He stressed the importance of unity among left-wing forces and social movements, arguing that the region’s political challenges required collective rather than fragmented responses.

In his speech, Andrade also criticised US interventionism in Latin America, saying that Washington’s actions were increasingly carried out openly. He recalled the PCU’s history of struggle, including its role in the resistance to Uruguay’s military dictatorship established after the 1973 coup.

Pereira highlighted the party’s contribution to social struggles and the construction of unity across the Uruguayan left. He also referred to the role played by communists in community initiatives and popular solidarity networks.

Communist Youth stresses democracy and sovereignty

Yuliana Iglesias, representing the UJC, placed the defence of democracy, freedom and national sovereignty at the centre of her remarks. She criticised what she described as imperialist intervention through blockades, military aggression and political interference.

Iglesias also defended social policies pursued by the Frente Amplio government, citing initiatives in education and neighbourhood development. Her intervention linked the party’s international positions with its support for policies intended to improve living conditions in Uruguay.

Solidarity with Cuba and Palestine

International solidarity was another central theme of the anniversary event. The PCU called for solidarity with Cuba and organised a collection of donations for the Cuban people. Andrade also referred to the importance of the Brazilian election taking place that weekend, placing the outcome within the wider political struggle in Latin America.

On 24 October, the party published a congratulatory message from the Embassy of Palestine in Uruguay marking its anniversary. The publication reflected the party’s continuing ties with international solidarity campaigns and its stated commitment to anti-imperialism.

The party’s official anniversary campaign, under the slogan “From the People to the Future”, also highlights dignified employment, decent wages and pensions, public education and healthcare, housing, gender equality, environmental protection and the pursuit of truth and justice concerning crimes committed during the dictatorship.

Continuing the party’s organising work

The anniversary festival followed local celebrations and activities organised by PCU branches across Uruguay. The party has presented its 106th anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen its organisation, expand its links with workers and popular movements, and develop its political work alongside the Frente Amplio.