Uruguay faces disputes over land recategorization and soil decrees

Political tensions are rising in Uruguay regarding land recategorization and soil use regulations. National Party mayors are demanding that President Yamandú Orsi withdraw Decree 128/026, which establishes stricter requirements for transforming soil types. The Rocha Intendencia has filed a formal appeal, arguing the decree exceeds legal authority, infringes on departmental autonomy, and increases development costs.

In Montevideo, the municipal government has suspended the analysis of a private urbanization proposal in the Bañados de Carrasco, an environmentally sensitive area. The project aimed to recategorize soil to allow for up to 3,000 housing units, but it sparked internal divisions within the Frente Amplio coalition. The administration will now conduct a year-long partial plan to evaluate the environmental and territorial impacts of the area.