Miguel Romero is deposed as mayor of San Juan and warns that the capital faces “serious and complicated challenges”

Miguel Romero was inaugurated on Monday as the new mayor of San Juan in a ceremony in which he stressed that the Capital faces “serious and complicated challenges” after eight years under the leadership of Carmen Yulín Cruz, who did not attend the ceremony of his successor .

“We face the limitations imposed by an economic crisis with political and social repercussions that do not see a near end, with the aggravating challenge of directing the reconstruction of our island after the hurricanes of 2017 and last year’s earthquakes. In the case of our capital, in addition to all the above, there is a serious fiscal and administrative situation that is highlighted in the marked physical and economic deterioration of our urban environment and in the lack of response, services and attention for our people in San Juan. ” Romero said in his speech, after being sworn in with the assistance of Supreme Court President Maite Oronoz Rodríguez.

“Now, in order to meet the challenges, we must start by recognizing them. Sanjuaneras and Sanjuaneros, the challenges we face are serious and complicated. They will require all our skill and commitment and will also require time and patience, “the former new progressive senator added during a ceremony at the Alejandro Tapia y Rivera Theater in Old San Juan.

And while the messages about San Juan’s “abandonment” and “deterioration” attributed to the previous administration were marked and constant, Romero called on all San Juan residents to take civic responsibility.

“This feat that we are starting today is not about blue, yellow, red or green. It is about the mosaic of colors that coexist in our city. For this reason, this morning, with great humility, a great sense of responsibility and a deep respect, I call on all statesmen, popular, independent, Victoria Ciudadana, the Dignity Project and all the people of San Juan and San Juan. Juan of good will to make a common cause and to work together for the good of all “, said Romero.

He said that the change of command in the Capital was not only a change of the name of a mayor, but also of the public policy and the way of administration. He called himself “mayor of all” and assured that he would continue to listen to people and give them participation in decision-making.

Romero took the opportunity to thank the “mayors of the past” present at the ceremony who offered him “their time and advice.” Former mayors Héctor Luis Acevedo and Jorge Santini were present at the jury. Cruz, who resigned on December 31, did not attend the event. He left municipal administrator Esperanza Ruiz to lead the city council.

Pierluisi offers him “his unconditional support”

Governor Pedro Pierlusi topped the guest list that included former governor Luis Fortuño; the mayor of Guaynabo, Ángel Pérez; the new President of the Senate, José Luis Dalmau, and the representatives of Carlos “Johnny” Méndez, Eddie Charbonier, Juan Oscar Morales and Jorge Navarro.

Pierluisi, during his message, said that “San Juan has a mayor and I have no doubt that together we will offer him that government of excellence that our people demand.”

He stressed that Romero would have “his unconditional support”. In addition, he said that both he and Romero are willing to make 2021 the “year of reconstruction.”

The governor said it was time to put political controversy behind him, but stressed that in November last year, statehood dominated in a status plebiscite.

“As for our political future, our people have been clear and strong. With the same will that I chose Miguel and me and all the elected officials who accompany us today, he also expressed a clear vote demanding equality. For this reason, we will intensify this fight for equality “, Pierluisi said he received applause from the audience.

Both Pierluisi and Romero stressed in their messages that tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, improving the economy, providing “excellence” education, combating violence and corruption and rebuilding public roads will be among their priorities.

The invocation was given by the Archbishop of San Juan, Monsignor Roberto González Nieves, and the closing prayer was made by Father Carlos Pérez.