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The government authorized the purchase of the María Dolores ranch for US$32 million amid legal and political challenges.
The Executive Branch authorized the purchase of the María Dolores ranch for more than US$32 million for colonization purposes. The transaction was scrutinized by the Court of Accounts and generated political controversy, resignations, and strong criticism from various sectors.
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María Dolores Ranch, the center of an operation that unleashed a political and legal storm.
The government authorized the purchase of the María Dolores ranch for more than $32 million, amid criticism from the Court of Accounts, a lack of the required votes, and a timing that was as symbolic as it was questionable.
The operation, which involves more than 4,000 hectares in the Florida dairy basin, was carried out by the Executive Branch despite four formal observations issued by the Court of Accounts. The acquisition was completed as part of an expansion of the assets of the National Colonization Institute, which, according to official documents, did not have sufficient budgetary resources.
The transaction was signed on a Monday, as the country was honoring its farewell to former President José Mujica. In this context, Secretary of the Presidency Alejandro Sánchez publicly confirmed that the purchase was being made "in homage to Mujica," right in front of the MPP headquarters. For many, this detail did not go unnoticed: a decision of high economic impact announced amid a funeral procession, as if merging symbols with party urgency.
Observations of the Court of Auditors
The Court highlighted four key points:
Colonization did not have sufficient budget to execute the purchase.
The expenditure far exceeded the available annual allocation.
The law requires four out of five votes on the INC Board of Directors for a direct purchase, but there were only three.
The property has a lien on the irrigation system, although it is unclear whether this is included in the deal.
The votes in favor came exclusively from representatives linked to the Broad Front, while ministers appointed by the Blancos and Colorados opposed the proposal. Despite technical and political warnings, the government moved forward without backing down.
Resignation and controversy
The transaction sparked a backlash. Eduardo Viera, president of the INC, resigned after it became known that he himself was a settler. Even so, he defended the purchase and criticized Senator Sebastián Da Silva, asserting that "he knows it's not expensive." But criticism wasn't focused solely on the price, but also on the process, the political timing, and the lack of transparency regarding what was actually acquired.
The official defense maintains that this is a strategic investment for productive development. However, there are data that leave open questions: Why move forward without the necessary votes? Why make the purchase without budgetary support? Why sign it on that very day?
A purchase that hurts
While the country debates how to cover health and education expenses or improve salaries in critical areas, more than $32 million is being disbursed for a stay that raises questions. And the most striking thing: this is not an open bidding process or a public auction, but a direct purchase, sealed among a few, in silence, but with consequences that many will bear.
Ultimately, the María Dolores ranch was at the center of a scene that mixes politics, land, symbols, and state resources. Without clear answers, the operation already made one thing clear: when priorities are not explained, the cost is always borne by the citizens.
