Due to strictly personal reasons, the Uruguayan leader stepped down from her position after six years of regional leadership and a strong presence in the International Cooperative Alliance. The vice president will exercise the highest authority until the end of the mandate, in 2026.
"I have enjoyed the exercise of the Presidency since the day I made my commitment in the City of Buenos Aires. This is a decision taken with absolute peace of mind. I greet you all with great esteem," Fernández said in a message to the Board of Directors, which met on October 1 in Washington.
He also hoped that work would continue on a vision of unity with a focus on maintaining an American identity on the global stage. "We have more than enough leaders, capable and mature. I would like everyone to support José Alves' presidency now," he said.
Indeed, the Brazilian leader, until now first vice president, will serve as president until completing his term in 2026. Graciela Fernández, the first female president elected in the region, took office in 2018 and had been re-elected for a new term in 2022.
In his farewell message, Fernández thanked the directors, technicians and staff of the regional office for their support and outlined an agenda with key points such as the International Year of Cooperatives, the continuation of the work with intergovernmental organizations through the regional director, Danilo Salerno, and the areas of education and cooperative law, which the leadership group assumed with determination.
Along with Alves, the Executive Committee is completed by Carla Decker (first vice president), Xiomara Núñez de Céspedes (second vice president), Ricardo López (secretary), Miguel Castedo, Carlos Acero and José Francisco Ramírez (members).
