Uruguayan opposition files criminal complaint against Defense Minister Sandra Lazo

The Republican Coalition, a group of opposition parties in Uruguay, has filed a criminal complaint against Defense Minister Sandra Lazo and two collaborators, Damián Rojas and Daniel Marsiglia. The complaint alleges abuse of power and usurpation of functions regarding the Cardama shipyard contract, which involves the construction of ocean patrol vessels valued at approximately 82.2 million euros.

Opposition deputy Pablo Abdala claims the ministry acted with predetermination to terminate the contract and that Rojas and Marsiglia lacked the necessary competence and experience to supervise works in Vigo, Spain. The opposition argues these individuals accessed sensitive documentation and held meetings with Navy officials before their formal administrative incorporation into the Ministry was finalized.

In response, government officials and supporters of the minister have dismissed the accusations. They argue the complaint lacks merit, noting that the administrative processes for the collaborators' appointments were already underway and that Minister Lazo had expressly authorized their tasks. The government maintains that the decision to rescind the contract with Astilleros Cardama was justified.