Enrique Cerdeña: A New Era for Betancuria
Yesterday marked a significant transition in the leadership of Betancuria with the proclamation of Enrique Cerdeña as the new mayor. This change comes after the retirement of Marcelino Cerdeña, who held the mayoral position since 2007. Enrique, who has served as a councilor for 17 years, is set to lead the historic municipality as the fifth mayor in the democratic era, following a lineage that includes Amparito Torres, Carmelo Silvera, Ignacio Gordillo, and Marcelino Cerdeña himself.
The Transition of Power
The recent plenary session not only heralded Enrique’s assumption of the mayoral role but also witnessed Marcelino Cerdeña stepping down from his position as a councilor. His tenure, lasting an impressive 17 years, included pivotal roles both as mayor and as a councilor for the Cabildo de Fuerteventura—a position he held until his resignation in December 2020. In a smooth transition, Enrique’s replacement as councilor will also be a Cerdeña, Pepe Cerdeña, who previously served in the last legislative council.
A Vision for Betancuria
During his acceptance speech, an emotional Enrique expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the citizens for their trust in him. He emphasized the importance of continuing the governance project beneficial for the community. He notably thanked Marcelino Cerdeña for his effective leadership, stating, “Thanks to his good management, today Betancuria is a financially sound municipality with a bright future.”
Enrique pledged to build upon his predecessor’s successes, promising to work diligently on vital projects and to remove bureaucratic barriers that delay progress. This focus on removing obstacles showcases his commitment to efficient governance.
Future Projects on the Horizon
Enrique outlined key objectives that will define his tenure. His plans include constructing a new municipal building, expanding the local cemetery, and developing a new parking facility alongside a municipal market. A significant highlight of his agenda involves advocating for social housing initiatives to retain the youth within the community, ensuring Betancuria sustains a vibrant future and improved quality of life for all its residents.
Preservation of Heritage
One of Enrique’s priorities is to preserve Betancuria’s rich heritage. He noted that it stands as the only municipality on the island with an approved Catalog of Heritage Goods, which documents over a hundred historical homes. The town has received accolades for its beauty, being recognized in 2020 as one of Spain’s most beautiful towns.
Enrique articulated a strong desire for community stewardship of Betancuria, emphasizing, “We must take care of this jewel—we cannot forget that it was the first city established in the Canary Islands in 1834 and, therefore, the first capital of the archipelago.”
Environmental Commitment
A part of Enrique’s vision also encompasses environmental stewardship. He calls for dedicated actions to maintain the Rural Park of Betancuria, a treasure for both local residents and the larger population of Fuerteventura. He firmly believes that with the collective effort of the community, they can achieve the set goals through dialogue, dedication, and persistence.
Personal Gratitude
As he concluded his speech, Enrique shared heartfelt gratitude for his family, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey in public service. His candid acknowledgment of their influence reflects a profound personal and communal connection that he values deeply as he embarks on this new chapter as mayor.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of experience, vision, and community-focus, Mayor Enrique Cerdeña’s administration is poised to navigate the complexities of governance while striving for progress and enhanced quality of life for the residents of Betancuria. With a committed leader at the helm, there is a palpable sense of hope and potential that this new chapter will unfold positive changes for the historic municipality.
