Regional news: Political unrest in Uruguay and Dominican Republic

In Salto, Uruguay, a marathon session of the Departmental Board involved the interpellation of Mayor Carlos Albisu regarding the dismissal of 291 officials. Juan Carlos Gómez, president of Adeom Salto, accused executive representatives of dishonesty regarding the hiring of external legal counsel. Additionally, Interpol Uruguay captured Juan José Santana Trinidad in Salto. Santana, a former priest, had been wanted internationally for the sexual abuse of at least 30 minors in Bolivia between 2005 and 2007. He is currently held in Montevideo pending extradition.

In Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic, a session of the Council of Regulators turned heated during discussions over an extraordinary income allocation of 150 million pesos. Councilman José Luis Flores sparked controversy by using insults, referring to individuals as having the ‘brains of horses, donkeys, and chickens.’ Other council members, including Jehimy Núñez, demanded respect amidst the disruption. Councilman Yamil Fortuna also criticized the administration, stating he would not vote for the project due to a lack of transparency regarding the specific works to be executed.