Valentina Dos Santos returns to the National Party in Artigas
Valentina Dos Santos rejoined the National Party this Thursday, according to political sources and local media, following the completion of the judicial investigation into her and the close of the electoral cycle. The leader thus resumed party activity following an episode that marked her public career.
In July 2024, the Prosecutor's Office charged Dos Santos with unpaid overtime payments, a case that resulted in convictions for several officials and had local and national repercussions.
National Party: internal reception and political reading
Nationalist party members confirmed his reinstatement and noted that the decision was made within the context of institutional normalization following the judicial process. Dos Santos' return opens an internal debate about the coexistence of judicial sanctions and party reinstatement.
The department's leadership is now evaluating the best way to integrate his figure without overriding the need for clear rules regarding criminal records and public representation.
Artigas: institutional role and link with the mayor
Dos Santos currently holds the position of general secretary of the Artigas mayor's office and works as the right-hand woman to Mayor Emiliano Soravilla, both of whom took office on July 10 following their victory in the departmental elections. Her close relationship with the mayor positions her as a key player in the municipal administration.
Soravilla publicly acknowledged Dos Santos' "political influence" in the department and highlighted the "coordination" achieved during the nomination and the collaborative work during the campaign.
Judicial Process: facts, convictions and other parties involved
The fiscal investigation determined that overtime payments were authorized for individuals who had not worked their dues. In addition to Dos Santos' conviction for misconduct, former mayor Pablo Caram (for dereliction of duty), Rodolfo Caram (for fraud), and Stefani Severo (for fraud) were also involved in the case, according to the resolutions mentioned by the prosecutors.
The accounting records and expert reports constitute the evidentiary core of the investigation; the courts continue with the formal work required by the case, in a process closely followed by the local public.
Political Reincorporation: local effects and electoral scenario
Dos Santos's reinstatement fuels two interpretations: on the one hand, those who advocate for his reinstatement once the judicial process has been completed; on the other, those who demand higher standards of transparency for representatives with criminal records. In Artigas, his influence was demonstrated by the mobilization and the collection of more than 10,000 signatures supporting his party endorsement.
The challenge for the National Party will be to balance internal discipline with the need to capitalize on regional leadership without losing legitimacy among voters and opponents.
