Santos appoints Mercedes Maldonado as mayor of Bogota

The President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos decided to appoint as responsible Mayor of Bogotá Maria Mercedes Maldonado, who will be the official who leads the administration until new elections are held after the dismissal from office of Gustavo Petro on March 20.

Maldonado, who served as Secretary of Habitat in Petro’s Management, was chosen by Santos from a shortlist sent by the Green Alliance party.

“I chose her because she is the person who is on the cabinet, she knows the policies of the city. Maria Mercedes is a woman who undoubtedly can make a very important labor in front of the City Hall while future elections are being prepared, ” said Santos.

The President insisted that his decision to effect the removal of Petro adhered to the law and if any judge orders him to restore Petro to his appointment `I will not hesitate to comply with that order.´