Arequipa interim mayor Rolando Bedregal Sanz assumes office

Rolando Bedregal Sanz has assumed the role of interim mayor of Arequipa for a one-month period. This transition follows the leave of absence taken by Mayor Ruccy Oscco Polar, who is preparing for the 2026 Regional and Municipal Elections.

Bedregal announced that he will not implement immediate changes to the municipal staff during this short term, describing such modifications as “disastrous” for a temporary administration. Instead, his priority will be conducting an internal diagnostic of all municipal areas to assess the institution's current state.

One key item on his agenda is the review of fare costs for the Integrated Transport System (SIT). Bedregal stated that this matter will undergo legal advisory to determine the future of ongoing negotiations. He also emphasized a commitment to a productive transition with the outgoing mayor while maintaining the authority to act against any officials who might obstruct the process.