Left-wing politician Yamandú Orsi is set to become Uruguay’s next president after his main opponent in the runoff conceded defeat on November 24 and even the South American country’s outgoing leader congratulated him .

His victory marks the return of a center-left government to the presidency of Uruguay after five years of conservative administration.

But who is Yamadu Orsi?

History teacher, folk dancer and former mayor, the 57-year-old politician is considered the political heir of former President José Mujica, who accompanied him in his campaign and hailed him as a capable new leader to find the right balance between the complex dynamics on the social, political and economic spectrum.

Orsi was born on June 13, 1967 in the rural area of ​​the department of Canelones. His father was a winemaker and his mother a seamstress.

He has several similarities with his political godfather, such as a love of the countryside and a quiet lifestyle. Throughout the campaign, he was often photographed drinking mate, walking his dog and wearing casual suits. His administration is due to take office next March and, like Mujica, he has said he will not live in the presidential residence.

While living in the countryside, his sister taught him to read and write. But the young Orsi began to shape his political views and desires amid the dictatorship in Uruguay, which lasted from 1973 to 1983.

After the end of the dictatorship, Orsi joined the Popular Participation Movement led by Mujica, the former guerrilla leader who became president in 2010.

Orsi focused his campaign on promoting environmentally friendly policies, promises of support for small producers and social inclusion policies.

He also promised a renewal of the left by favoring dialogue with all, and he insisted during the campaign that he did not envisage radical change in this country of 3.5 million inhabitants.

Although he says it is important to promote social protection, Orsi used a friendly tone towards the market and the private sector.