Carlos Bruce, the Mayor of Surco, is preparing for the conclusion of his current administration while navigating a temporary leave of absence to pursue political ambitions. According to the Electoral Law, Bruce will take a leave without pay from September 4 to October 4, during which time Deputy Mayor Eliana Toledo will assume his duties.
Bruce is scheduled to return to his post on October 5 and will serve until his mandate expires on December 31 of this year. The mayor has expressed a desire to run for the Mayoralty of Lima through the Somos Perú party, a goal he has pursued since mid-2025, while simultaneously criticizing the laws that prevent the re-election of local authorities in Surco.
Budget Execution and Infrastructure Gains
Data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) shows that Bruce’s administration has executed 36.3% of its budget so far this year. The administration projects reaching 100% execution for the fourth consecutive year.
Financial growth has been a hallmark of his term; the budget Bruce received in his first year was 280 million soles, which has grown to approximately 430 million soles this year. Bruce stated that the district has nearly doubled its volume of tax collection.
Security and Urban Development
The administration has prioritized citizen security through the construction of a surveillance center and the installation of 3,400 artificial intelligence cameras. The fleet includes 113 patrol cars under a renting system, along with 150 electric guns equipped with bodycams and a new training school for security personnel.
Other urban improvements include the repaving of over one million square meters of roads and the remodeling of 180 parks. The “Supermanzana” sector has seen the implementation of drainage, the removal of overhead cables, and the installation of cobblestones.
Social Programs and Animal Welfare
Bruce highlighted the “Techo Propio Surcano” program, which uses profits from recycling plants to provide a 32,000 soles bono to help citizens build quality housing on their own land. The municipality expects to finish delivering 70 such homes this year.
In terms of animal welfare, the district has implemented a municipal shelter, a veterinary clinic, and a pet crematorium, positioning Surco as a leader in animal rescue and protection.
Controversies and Pending Projects
Despite the reported gains, the Vía Expresa Sur project remains a point of severe contention. Bruce admitted the road is “very dangerous,” noting that one person has died and four others were atropelled, and he argued the project lacked a proper technical file.
Eduardo Salmón, a neighborhood leader, criticized Bruce for failing to defend the district, claiming the project “splits Surco in two” and resulted in the loss of nine parks. While Salmón gave the administration a “regular passing grade,” he noted this is relative because the previous mayor, Jean Pierre Combe, was viewed as the worst in Surco’s history due to corruption.
Neglect of Popular Sectors
Ricardo Ortiz, a former leader of the Rodrigo Franco settlement, argued that Bruce focused development on high-tax urbanizations while neglecting popular sectors. Ortiz noted a lack of green areas and security in neighborhoods near Chorrillos and San Juan de Miraflores.
According to Ortiz, crime has increased in the Rodrigo Franco, Viñedos, and Precursores settlements despite warnings from residents. He claimed the only emblematic project in his sector was the improvement of a sports court.
Future Outlook
As his term ends, several projects will transition to the next administration. The construction of the “train of youth” is one such project, while the remodeling of the Hacienda San Juan Grande remains unfinished due to a year-long authorization delay from the Ministry of Culture.
If Bruce is successful in his bid for the Mayoralty of Lima, he may be required to oversee the completion of the Vía Expresa Sur. He has stated that he would implement viaducts and road interchanges to address the current safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will manage Surco during Carlos Bruce’s leave of absence?
Deputy Mayor Eliana Toledo will succeed him from September 4 to October 4.
How is the “Techo Propio Surcano” program funded?
The program is financed using the profits generated by the municipality’s recycling plants.
What are the main criticisms regarding the Vía Expresa Sur?
Critics, including neighborhood leader Eduardo Salmón, argue that the project has caused the loss of nine parks and effectively divided the district in two.
Do you believe that high budget execution is the most accurate measure of a mayor’s success?
