Santa Cruz Assembly Members Find Common Ground for Regional Work

In Santa Cruz, a palpable sense of optimism is emerging among the newly elected members of the Departmental Legislative Assembly (ALD) for the 2026-2031 term. María René Álvarez, an elected assembly member for the Libre party, has highlighted a significant affinity among the various political factions that will form the new ALD. This shared sentiment, she notes, stems from a common desire to contribute positively and work collaboratively for the advancement of Santa Cruz. This is a crucial development, signaling a potential shift away from the political infighting that has often characterized the region.

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Existe afinidad entre las bancadas que conformarán la Asamblea Legislativa Departamental (ALD) 2026-2031, en lo que será la contribución y el trabajo de lo que se quiere hacer por Santa Cruz

Álvarez's statements to Grupo EL DEBER's program ‘¡Qué Semana!’ reveal a pragmatic approach. While acknowledging that challenges are inevitable, she emphasizes the importance of entering a new political landscape where confrontation is minimized. The focus, she asserts, should be on constructive dialogue and cooperation, especially given that the members are no longer defined by an 'us vs. them' opposition. This new dynamic, she believes, will foster a more productive environment for addressing the region's needs.

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Yo he estado reunida con asambleístas que no precisamente son de nuestra fuerza política y tenemos muchísimas afinidades en el sentido de la contribución y el trabajo que se quiere hacer Santa Cruz. Son actores nuevos, gente que tiene este sano deseo de poder trabajar desde la ALD

Furthermore, Álvarez has pointedly addressed the lingering tensions from the outgoing legislature. She suggests that some outgoing legislators are still operating under an old mindset, failing to recognize the conclusion of their term and attempting to cast a shadow over the incoming assembly. Instead of focusing on past conflicts or attempting to tarnish the new administration, Álvarez argues, these outgoing members should have been accountable to the people, reporting on their accomplishments and failures over the past five years. This critique underscores a desire for greater transparency and a focus on tangible results rather than political maneuvering.

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seguramente” habrá desafíos, pero lo importante es que se está entrando a otro escenario, en el que ya no debe haber confrontación porque “ya no somos opositores entre nosotros”.

From our perspective at El Deber, this represents a critical juncture for Santa Cruz. While international coverage might focus on national political shifts in Bolivia, our local lens emphasizes the unique dynamics and aspirations of Santa Cruz. The potential for genuine collaboration among diverse political actors, as expressed by Álvarez, is a story of local significance. It speaks to the region's distinct identity and its people's desire for effective governance focused on development. The call for accountability from outgoing officials is also a reflection of local demands for responsible leadership, a theme that resonates deeply within our community.

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Creo que estaban más enfocados en pretender empañar esta nueva gestión y no así, por ejemplo, en rendirles cuentas al pueblo, porque finalmente no nos iban a rendir cuenta a nosotros