La Opresion Nueva

There is currently an international dispute over a paper plant in Uruguay that resides on the banks of the Rio Uruguay; the border between Uruguay and Argentina. The two countries were competing for the plant; owned by Botnia, and now that Uruguay has won it, Argentine citizens are vocalizing their disapproval of the pollution outputs of the plant.

Argentines have shut down the bridge connection Uruguay and Argentina; which is roughly 3km north of the plant, in protest. In a passive-aggressive protest the government of Argentina has done nothing to re-open the bridge; which is a crucial economic connection for the entire Southern Cone. It is a major thoroughfare that connects Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The bridge is the shortest and most economical land route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Its shutdown is not only affecting Argentina and Uruguay, but all of the Mercosur and Chile. The dispute over the plant could severely rupture relations within the Mercosur, and further delay an EU like system in South America.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the plant; a rarity. This event in and of itself is not particularly interesting, but the visit sparked a very interesting occurrence. Our group was supposed to cross to the Argentine side of the bridge to speak with the protestors, but because some people in the group were without identification we could not cross. Instead, the protestors were going to cross and talk to us.

When the customs officials got wind of this plan they immediately called the plant to warn them. The plant then called the police, who came to stop the protestors from crossing the border; a completely illegal action. This gross display of corporate power is alarming. It seems that Botnia is more powerful than the government of Uruguay.