The Uruguayan Chamber of Senators held a special session on Monday night to remember the 50th anniversary of the last session before the coup d’état that took place on June 27, 1973, marking the beginning of a 12-year dictatorship.
During the emotional session, Vice President Beatriz Argimón, who is also the President of the Senate, emphasized the importance of reaffirming their commitment to democracy.
The President of the Republic, Luis Lacalle Pou, and former Presidents Julio María Sanguinetti, Luis Alberto Lacalle de Herrera, and José Mujica were in attendance as guests, along with representatives from the Executive and Judicial Branches, political parties, and civil society.
The session commenced at the same time as the one held on June 26, 1973, with senators from different parties advocating for democracy for three hours, just when the country was on the verge of institutional breakdown.
The speeches from the 1973 session were revived, featuring words from representatives of the three main parties in today’s Parliament: Wilson Ferreira Aldunate (National Party), Amilcar Vasconcellos (Colorado Party), and Enrique Rodriguez (Frente Amplio).
The Legislative Palace was specially illuminated, and outside the palace, the Jacarandá collective and other organizations held a vigil, symbolizing their commitment to “care for and defend democracy” by carrying candles.
On June 27, 1973, President Juan María Bordaberry, with the support of the Armed Forces, dissolved the Parliament, marking the beginning of a dictatorship that lasted until 1985.
The repression during the dictatorship resulted in the disappearance of 197 detainees, of which six bodies have been found to date.
In summary, the Uruguayan Chamber of Senators commemorated the last session before the 1973 coup d’état, reiterating their dedication to democracy.
Prominent figures and representatives from various sectors participated in the special session, while external organizations held a vigil to symbolize their commitment to defending democracy.