Villarrica interim mayor assumes Friday, announces changes
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ovidio Cuevas will assume office as interim mayor of Villarrica on Friday, replacing Magín Benítez who resigned to comply with electoral regulations.
- Cuevas announced his priorities will include traffic management, city cleaning, and reviewing the municipality's administrative documents.
- Dr. Nery Filemón González, former mayor, will return to the Municipal Board as a councilor following Cuevas's departure.
Villarrica is set to begin a new administrative phase with councilor Ovidio Cuevas taking over as interim mayor on Friday. Cuevas, from the Colorado Party (ANR), replaces Magín Benítez of the PLRA, who stepped down to meet electoral requirements for his re-election bid in October.
The Municipal Board unanimously elected Cuevas during an extraordinary session. His official swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for July 3, following a formal transfer of power. Cuevas indicated that his administration would focus on immediate improvements, stating, "After the protocol ceremony, we will be assuming the position of the Mayor's office with my trusted people. We plan to make some small changes during the day and start working to see what can be done."
After the protocol ceremony, we will be assuming the position of the Mayor's office with my trusted people. We plan to make some small changes during the day and start working to see what can be done.
Key priorities for Cuevas's interim term include improving traffic flow and enhancing city cleanliness. While acknowledging the limited time he will serve, Cuevas expressed a commitment to achieving tangible results. "I have many ideas, but I will be in office for a certain time and I will try to do the best possible," he stated.
In addition to the mayoral transition, the Municipal Board will also see Blas César Garcete sworn in as its new president. Dr. Nery Filemón González, a former mayor and president of the legislative body, will return to the board as a councilor, filling the vacancy left by Cuevas.
I have many ideas, but I will be in office for a certain time and I will try to do the best possible.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.