Formalities of governments.

Question

I was listening to several interviews featuring the current president of Uruguay. He is an austere man to say the least, and seems very practical.

In a particular interview he speaks of the formalities of government in this way;

"es una rémora y resabio de las viejas monarquías¨

What is he saying here?

Answer 1

My attempt:

He is saying something like the the governments formalities are an obstacle or hindrance because they are a remnant or holdover from the old monarchies.

Yes- thats exactly what he is saying Bandita! - pacofinkler, Jul 11, 2013

So, Paco, what was the purpose of you asking that, if you knew it... :) - chileno, Jul 11, 2013

That's why I said "flojo" you wanted somebody to do the translation for you, but apparently that wasn't it.... - chileno, Jul 11, 2013

Answer 2

Also resabio can mean bad habit or vice.

: ) - pacofinkler, Jul 10, 2013

Answer 3

Unless we're talking fish rémora usually refers to something that is a hindrance, some kind of obstacle or problem etc.

This from RAE: 2. f. Cosa que detiene, embarga o suspende.

Hi Kiwi Girl' not fish 'you are on the right path - pacofinkler, Jul 10, 2013

:) - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 10, 2013

Answer 4

The meaning of rémora will change a bit depending of context, but it is definitely something that is "attached" to something/somebody.

resabio = aftertaste

Flojo!

Hola chileno, hice mi tarea ! - pacofinkler, Jul 9, 2013

:) - chileno, Jul 9, 2013