CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO (KFOX14/CBS4) — Ciudad Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar formally requested an indefinite leave of absence from his position on Wednesday, ending nearly five years at the helm of Ciudad Juárez’s municipal government and signaling a new phase in his political career focused on the state of Chihuahua.

Speaking during a special City Council session, Pérez Cuéllar reflected on his administration’s accomplishments and thanked municipal employees, elected officials, and residents for their support throughout his tenure.

The mayor expressed gratitude to God, his family, and his wife, Rubí Enríquez, as well as city council members, department heads, coordinators, and municipal staff who helped carry out the city’s agenda.

A significant portion of his remarks focused on frontline municipal workers, including police officers, firefighters, rescue personnel, public services employees, and administrative staff. He praised their efforts in maintaining city operations despite limited resources and growing demands.

“They are the ones who truly sustain and move this city forward every day,” Pérez Cuéllar said.

The outgoing mayor also thanked voters for their confidence in the 2021 and 2024 elections, arguing that their support enabled his administration to advance projects that have become central to the transformation of Ciudad Juárez.

Visibly emotional during his farewell remarks, Pérez Cuéllar said he was leaving office with “peace of mind,” citing confidence in the leadership of City Secretary Héctor Rafael Ortiz Orpinel, who will oversee the administration following his departure.

“I leave with peace of mind because I know there is an extraordinary team under extraordinary leadership,” he said.

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While Pérez Cuéllar did not detail specific plans, he indicated that his next political challenge will involve promoting transformation across Chihuahua while advocating for greater investment and recognition for Ciudad Juárez.

He argued that the border city has historically faced insufficient budgets and long-standing inequities and pledged to continue fighting for resources and opportunities for the region.

Concluding his remarks, Pérez Cuéllar said his greatest satisfaction comes from having devoted his full effort to serving the city.

“When the years pass and I look back on this stage of my life, I will be able to say with peace of mind that I gave all my effort, all my energy, and all my heart to move Ciudad Juárez forward,” he said.

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