President of Uruguay


The president of Uruguay, officially known as the president of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is the head of state and head of government of Uruguay. His rights are determined in the Constitution of Uruguay. Conforms with the Secretariat of the Presidency, the Council of Ministers and the director of the Office of Planning and Budget, the executive branch. In case of absence, his office is exercised by the vice president. In turn, the president of the republic is the commander in chief of the Armed Forces.
Since 1990, the president's term has begun and ended on March 1. This same date for ending the presidency also happened during the National Council of Government and it has been not unusual since 1839.
The current president since 1 March 2020 is Luis Lacalle Pou, the son of the 36th president, Luis Alberto Lacalle.

Features of the office

Requirements

The Constitution amendment establishes the requirements for becoming President. Article 151 establishes that the President must be a natural-born citizen of the country, or have been born to an Uruguayan citizen if born abroad. The President must also be at least 35 years old and be registered in the National Civic Registry.

Election

According to the current Constitution Constitution of Uruguay of 1967 or Constitution of Uruguay of 1997, the president is elected by direct popular vote for a term of five years. He may be reelected any number of times, but is ineligible for immediate reelection. The president and vice president run on a single ticket submitted by their party. In case no candidate obtains an absolute majority of votes, a runoff is held between the top two candidates. In this case, the candidate who obtains a plurality in the runoff wins the election.

Powers and duties

According to Article 168 of the Constitution, the president, acting with the respective minister or ministers, or the Council of Ministers, includes, is assigned:
  1. The preservation of order and tranquility within and security without.
  2. The command of all armed forces.
  3. The promulgation of all laws, issuing special regulations necessary for its implementation.
  4. The delivery, to the General Assembly of Uruguay at the opening of regular sessions, the state of the Republic address.
  5. The right to veto laws he dislikes.
  6. The right to propose bills or amendments to laws previously enacted.
  7. The dismissal of public employees for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance.
  8. Management of diplomatic relations and, with consent of the legislature, the right to declare war.
  9. The right to declare a state of emergency when needed.
  10. The preparation of the state budget.
  11. Negotiation of treaties with the ratification of the legislature.

    Living former presidents