“Tijuana is not what it was yesterday”: The new mayor’s peace shift

Marking a dramatic shift in tone, Tijuana's new mayor, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, has begun his administration with a message of unity and coordination with the state government of Marina del Pilar, seeking to leave behind the era of public confrontation under his predecessor.

Amid the political storm unleashed by the war of words between former mayor Montserrat Caballero and Governor Marina del Pilar, Tijuana's new mayor, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, has emerged with a discourse of peace and teamwork, a move that seeks to realign political power in the border city.

With the phrase "Tijuana is not like it was yesterday," Burgueño has made it clear that his governing style will be collaborative, not confrontational, a message directed at both the citizens and the upper echelons of power in Baja California.

Since the beginning of his administration, Mayor Burgueño has emphasized the benefits of coordination between the municipal and state governments. In various statements, he has stressed that progress on crucial issues for the city, such as security, infrastructure, and cleanliness, is a direct result of this collaborative effort.

This approach stands in stark contrast to the previous administration, which was marked by a bitter, public conflict that escalated into accusations of persecution and personal insults, shattering the Morena party's image of unity in the state.

Ismael Burgueño's unity speech isn't just a show of good intentions; it's a strategic political maneuver. By publicly aligning himself with Governor Marina del Pilar, the new mayor seeks to consolidate a power bloc, ensure the flow of state resources for his projects in Tijuana, and present himself to the public as a pragmatic leader focused on results, not political bickering.

This realignment is fundamental to the city's governability and to the political future of both leaders. While the previous administration was defined by the clash, the current one seeks to define itself through alliance, a strategy that will be put to the test in the coming months as they confront Tijuana's complex challenges.

Burgueño's actions, such as promoting cleanup programs in working-class neighborhoods and strengthening academic alliances, reinforce this message of a government focused on management and collaboration.