José Luis Satdjian is a prominent Armenian–Uruguayan politician currently serving as a Representative from the National Party. In 2008, alongside Nicolás Martinelli (now General Director of the Ministry of the Interior), he co-founded List 404, the political electoral list within the National Party in Uruguay.
He previously served as Vice Minister of Public Health and gained national recognition for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Universidad ORT Uruguay.
Satdjian grew up in the Armenian community, attending both the Centro Nacional Armenio del Uruguay and Casa Armenia Hunchakian. He frequently highlights Armenian issues in his public speeches. Most recently, in April 2025, he initiated a parliamentary session commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, during which Uruguay reaffirmed its historic stance as the first country to officially recognize it. The session also called for the release of Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) held by Azerbaijan resulting from the 2020 Artsakh war.
Nothing is more rewarding than waking up each day knowing we are working toward a world with better opportunities for everyone—in short, a more just world.
Q: Thank you for taking the time to speak with AGBU. First, how did you come to hold your current position, and which political party do you represent?
A: I am an elected representative from List 404 of the National Party, chosen in the most recent national elections held this past October.
Q: Were you involved in the Armenian community in your youth?
A: I am the son and grandson of Armenians, raised in the Armenian community, and I have always participated in activities aimed at preserving our traditions and culture—from learning Armenian dances to taking part in food fairs or blood donation drives held in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. I had the opportunity to travel to Armenia and Artsakh when I was 16 years old, which was a very meaningful experience for me. In the same way, my daughter is also actively involved in the activities that keep our rich and distinctive culture alive.
Q: Was there a moment or experience that inspired you to enter politics and public service?
A: My main inspiration for entering politics was, essentially, a sense of rebellion, the drive to change people’s reality and improve their lives in the present. So I started getting involved when I was 21. Together with a group of young people within the National Party, we supported Luis Lacalle Pou, who at the time was a Member of Parliament. Under his leadership, we reached the national government in 2019 and worked throughout the term in various areas.
Q: Can you speak about the relationship between the Uruguayan government and Armenia? And how would you describe Uruguay’s relationship with Turkey?
A: The relationship between Armenia and Uruguay is one of brotherhood and mutual cooperation. A significant number of Armenians from the Diaspora settled in Uruguay, becoming an integral part of the country’s social fabric and integrating into society like any other Uruguayans. Today, Uruguay hosts an Armenian embassy, established through the efforts of civil society organizations and the leadership of former President Luis Lacalle Pou. As for Turkey, Uruguay maintains diplomatic relations and has signed several bilateral agreements, primarily of a commercial nature. Importantly, Uruguay was the first country to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire—a fact that Turkey continues to deny.
Q: What factors have contributed to the Uruguayan public and government’s favorable stance toward the Armenian community, and in which areas of national life, such as culture, politics, or civil society, does the Armenian community play a significant role?
A: Armenians integrated into every area of development and productivity. It is not unusual to find Armenians working in various fields, and Armenian commemorative and celebratory events have also become part of Uruguay’s mainstream cultural fabric. The blood donation drives organized annually around April 24, for example, are an essential contribution to the proper functioning of the healthcare system. Likewise, geographic landmarks such as Plaza Armenia and Rambla Armenia are commonly used points of reference.
Q: To what extent are matters concerning Armenia and the Armenian people addressed within Uruguay’s parliamentary discourse?
A: Armenian issues and interests are included in parliamentary activity, not only through community representatives but also through commemorative dates that have been officially recognized by law. For instance, beginning last year, thanks to an initiative from the Armenian community, an annual national radio and television broadcast was established to commemorate the Genocide. These remembrance activities are also supported by individuals not of Armenian descent. This underscores the significance of a cause that transcends origins and borders.
Q: Do you think having more diversity among politicians improves national policy priorities?
A: Naturally, having direct representation of certain communities in Parliament makes some issues and interests more visible. Nevertheless, there are other ways and organizations, such as civil society groups, that manage to draw attention to their concerns and needs through their actions.
Q: What advice would you give to young people who want to get involved in public service?
A: This sector is a vocational way of working for the common good that also offers the benefit of allowing those of us in this field to grow and become better people. My main advice is to pursue it out of vocation, knowing that there will be difficult moments. When put in perspective, nothing is more rewarding than waking up each day knowing we are working toward a world with better opportunities for everyone—in short, a more just world.
