The Mayor of Santa Cruz, Élia Ascensão, accused the opposition today of engaging in "political exploitation" of a legal case that involves three municipal employees and in which she is also a defendant.
Speaking at the Municipal Assembly, the mayor stated that she will not accept that body or any other municipal body functioning as a "summary court" for judicial processes, especially when the case is under judicial secrecy.
Élia Ascensão believes the opposition's insistence on this matter is politically motivated and lamented what she described as a "public trial" before any accusation or judgment. The mayor expressed hope that the process will clarify what she considers to be "a misunderstanding."
In a statement, the mayor also defended the work carried out by the Human Resources Division since 2013, noting the hiring of 102 new employees following competitive procedures, during a period when the municipality saw approximately 114 retirements. She also highlighted measures such as internal reorganization, career progression, a biometric attendance system, and occupational health.
Élia Ascensão considers the opposition's focus on Human Resources aims to "destabilize" and undermine the work developed by the JPP management, also lamenting the impact of the case on the professional and personal lives of the three employees. The mayor concluded by assuring that she will continue to exercise her duties "with the same commitment and focus."
