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A2 noun 13 min read

alcalde

Examples alcalde in 30 Seconds
Explanation alcalde in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'alcalde' as a basic noun for a person's job. Just like you learn 'profesor' (teacher) or 'médico' (doctor), 'alcalde' is the word for the person who leads a city. At this stage, focus on simple sentences like 'El alcalde es simpático' (The mayor is nice) or 'Yo hablo con el alcalde' (I speak with the mayor). You should also learn that the feminine version is 'alcaldesa'. Think of the 'alcalde' as the 'boss' of the town. You don't need to know complex political details yet, just that this person works in the 'ayuntamiento' (town hall), which is usually a big, important building in the center of the city or pueblo. Learning this word early is helpful because mayors are very visible in Spanish culture, often appearing at local festivals or on signs for new public works like parks or playgrounds.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'alcalde' in more descriptive contexts. You should be able to talk about what an alcalde does in simple terms. For example, 'El alcalde trabaja en el ayuntamiento' (The mayor works at the town hall) or 'El alcalde ayuda a los ciudadanos' (The mayor helps the citizens). You will encounter this word when reading simple news snippets or descriptions of a town. It's important to start noticing the 'personal a' when the alcalde is the object: 'Vemos al alcalde en la televisión'. You should also be aware that every town has an alcalde, and they are responsible for local things like 'las calles' (the streets) and 'los parques' (the parks). This is a good time to learn the word 'ayuntamiento' alongside 'alcalde', as they are almost always used together. You might also see the word in the context of 'elecciones' (elections), where people 'votan' (vote) for their favorite candidate.
At the B1 level, you should understand the role of the 'alcalde' within the local government structure. You can use the word to discuss social issues and local politics. For instance, you might say, 'El alcalde ha prometido construir un nuevo carril bici para mejorar el tráfico' (The mayor has promised to build a new bike lane to improve traffic). You should be comfortable using 'alcalde' with a wider range of verbs like 'inaugurar' (to inaugurate), 'gestionar' (to manage), and 'prometer' (to promise). You will also start to hear more about the 'alcaldía' (the mayor's office or the position of being mayor). At this level, you should be able to follow a basic news report about a mayor's decision and express your opinion on whether it is good or bad for the community. You might also encounter the term in historical contexts, learning about how mayors have shaped the development of famous Spanish cities.
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At the B2 level, you should be able to discuss the 'alcalde' in the context of complex political debates and administrative law. You can use terms like 'mandato' (term of office), 'presupuestos municipales' (municipal budgets), and 'oposición' (the opposition party). You should understand the nuances of how an 'alcalde' interacts with other levels of government, such as the 'comunidad autónoma' or the 'gobierno central'. For example: 'A pesar de las críticas, el alcalde defendió su plan de peatonalización del centro histórico' (Despite the criticism, the mayor defended his plan to pedestrianize the historic center). You should also be familiar with regional variations like 'intendente' and understand when to use them. Your vocabulary should include related concepts like 'urbanismo', 'corrupción', and 'transparencia'. You can write formal letters to an 'alcalde' using the appropriate honorifics and formal tone expected in professional or civic communication.
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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and cultural weight of the 'alcalde'. You can discuss the evolution of the role from the medieval 'al-qāḍī' to the modern democratic executive. You should be able to analyze political speeches by mayors, identifying rhetorical devices and subtle shifts in register. You can use 'alcalde' in idiomatic or literary contexts, such as discussing the themes of justice and honor in 'El alcalde de Zalamea'. Your understanding of the word should extend to its role in 'derecho administrativo' (administrative law), including the specific legal powers granted to the 'alcalde' by the 'Ley de Bases del Régimen Local' in Spain. You can engage in high-level debates about municipal autonomy, fiscal decentralization, and the challenges of urban governance in the 21st century, using the term 'alcalde' with absolute precision and native-like fluency.
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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the word 'alcalde' and its place in the Spanish language. You can use it in any context, from highly specialized legal documents to the most informal slang. You understand the subtle political implications of calling someone an 'alcalde' in different Spanish-speaking countries. You can write sophisticated essays on the role of the 'alcalde' in social cohesion or economic development. You are familiar with the most obscure administrative sub-types, like the 'alcalde de barrio' or 'alcalde de aguas'. You can effortlessly switch between the term 'alcalde' and its regional synonyms ('intendente', 'presidente municipal') depending on your audience, and you are aware of the historical baggage each term carries. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, reflecting a profound immersion in the political and social life of the Spanish-speaking world.
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Examples

alcalde in 30 Seconds

  • Alcalde means mayor, the head of a town's government.
  • The word has Arabic roots, originally meaning 'the judge'.
  • Use 'alcalde' for men and 'alcaldesa' for women.
  • They work in the 'ayuntamiento' and lead the city council.
The Spanish word alcalde refers to the primary executive officer of a municipal government, directly equivalent to the English term 'mayor'. In the Spanish-speaking world, the figure of the alcalde is deeply rooted in local identity and administration. Unlike some systems where a mayor might be purely ceremonial, a Spanish alcalde often wields significant administrative power, presiding over the ayuntamiento (city council) and representing the municipality in all official capacities. The term is universally understood across all Spanish-speaking countries, though the specific powers and the way the individual is elected can vary significantly between Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and other nations. In Spain, for example, the alcalde is usually elected by the city councilors who were, in turn, elected by the people, whereas in many Latin American countries, the mayor is elected through a direct popular vote.
Etymological Root
The word derives from the Hispanic Arabic 'al-qāḍī', which originally meant 'the judge'. This reflects the historical role of the mayor as a local judicial authority during the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula.

El alcalde inauguró el nuevo parque municipal ante cientos de vecinos entusiasmados por la mejora de su barrio.

When discussing the alcalde, you are entering the realm of política local. This word is essential for anyone living in a Spanish-speaking community, as the mayor is the person responsible for everything from trash collection and local policing to the organization of the fiestas patronales (patron saint festivals). You will see the alcalde's name on plaques at the entrance of public buildings, hear it in local news reports regarding urban planning, and read it in official decrees known as bandos. In smaller towns, the alcalde is often a well-known neighbor, leading to a very personal relationship between the citizens and their executive leader. In large metropolises like Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, the alcalde (or Jefe de Gobierno in some specific cases) is a high-profile political figure with national influence.
Social Standing
Being an alcalde is considered a position of great responsibility and 'honor'. In many traditional ceremonies, the mayor carries a 'vara de mando' (staff of office) as a symbol of their authority.

La alcaldesa prometió bajar los impuestos locales durante su discurso de investidura en el salón de plenos.

Administrative Context
The alcalde works within the 'ayuntamiento' or 'municipalidad'. They lead the 'pleno', which is the assembly of all elected councilors ('concejales').
Understanding 'alcalde' is also about understanding the hierarchy of the state. While a 'presidente' leads a country and a 'gobernador' leads a state or province, the 'alcalde' is the most immediate point of contact for the 'ciudadano' (citizen). This proximity makes the word very common in daily conversations about the state of the streets, the quality of public transport, or local controversies. The alcalde is the face of the town's successes and the target of its frustrations. In literature and film, the 'alcalde' is often portrayed as a powerful local broker, sometimes benevolent and sometimes corrupt, highlighting the central role this position plays in the social fabric of Spanish-speaking societies. Whether you are reading 'Don Quijote', where local authorities appear frequently, or watching a modern Spanish series like 'Crematorio', the figure of the alcalde is indispensable for a full cultural and linguistic immersion.
Using the word alcalde correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and the verbs it typically associates with. As a noun, it follows standard Spanish agreement rules. If you are referring to a man, use 'el alcalde'; for a woman, 'la alcaldesa'. The plural form for a mixed group or a group of men is 'los alcaldes', while 'las alcaldesas' is used for a group of women. One of the most common verbs used with alcalde is elegir (to elect). For example, 'El pueblo elige al alcalde cada cuatro años.' (The people elect the mayor every four years). Notice the use of the 'personal a' before 'alcalde' because it refers to a specific person in an object position.
Common Verbs
Verbs like 'nombrar' (to appoint), 'votar' (to vote for), 'criticar' (to criticize), and 'apoyar' (to support) are frequently paired with this noun in political contexts.

Muchos ciudadanos decidieron no votar por el alcalde actual debido a los escándalos de corrupción.

Another important aspect is the prepositional usage. When the mayor is performing an action in their official capacity, we often see phrases like 'por orden del alcalde' (by order of the mayor) or 'bajo la gestión del alcalde' (under the mayor's management). When addressing a mayor directly in a formal setting, especially in Spain, the traditional honorific 'Excelentísimo Señor Alcalde' might be used in writing, although in speech, 'Señor Alcalde' or 'Señora Alcaldesa' is the standard respectful form. In more complex sentence structures, 'alcalde' often acts as the subject of verbs related to governance: 'El alcalde preside la reunión' (The mayor presides over the meeting) or 'El alcalde firmó el decreto' (The mayor signed the decree). It can also be used in the passive voice, which is common in news reporting: 'El nuevo alcalde fue investido ayer' (The new mayor was inaugurated yesterday).
Colloquial Usage
In some regions, people might say 'el señor alcalde' even when not in a formal setting, simply as a sign of traditional respect for the office.

Si quieres que arreglen la calle, tendrás que hablar con el alcalde directamente.

Prepositional Patterns
Use 'a' when the mayor is the direct object: 'Conozco al alcalde'. Use 'de' for possession or origin: 'El coche del alcalde'.

La oficina de la alcaldesa se encuentra en la segunda planta del ayuntamiento.

Durante la procesión, el alcalde camina siempre detrás de la imagen religiosa.

Finally, consider the metaphorical use. While less common than in English (where you might call someone the 'mayor of a certain place' to mean they are very popular there), in Spanish, calling someone 'el alcalde' of a group can sometimes imply they are the one who makes all the decisions or boss everyone around, though this is quite informal. In academic or legal Spanish, you might encounter 'alcalde pedáneo', which refers to the head of a small sub-entity or village within a larger municipality. This shows how versatile the term can be depending on the administrative level being discussed.
You will encounter the word alcalde in a wide variety of real-life situations. The most common is undoubtedly the local news. Whether it's a newspaper like El País in Spain, El Universal in Mexico, or a local radio station, the actions and statements of the alcalde are daily fodder for journalists. You'll hear phrases like 'El alcalde declara tres días de luto' (The mayor declares three days of mourning) or 'La alcaldesa anuncia nuevas medidas contra la contaminación' (The mayor announces new measures against pollution).
In the Street
Conversations at the 'cafetería' often revolve around the mayor's latest project. '¿Has visto lo que ha hecho el alcalde con la plaza?' (Have you seen what the mayor has done with the square?)

El alcalde salió al balcón para dar el pregón de las fiestas ante una multitud que gritaba su nombre.

Another very specific place you will hear this word is during las fiestas. In many Spanish towns, the mayor gives a speech called the pregón from the balcony of the ayuntamiento to officially start the celebrations. This is a moment of great visibility for the alcalde. Furthermore, in any administrative process involving the city—such as applying for a building permit (licencia de obra) or registering your residency (empadronamiento)—the figure of the alcalde looms in the background as the ultimate authority of the institution you are dealing with. In schools, children learn about the alcalde as part of their conocimiento del medio (social studies) classes, where they study how their local community is organized. You might also hear it in protest chants during demonstrations: '¡Alcalde, escucha, el pueblo está en la lucha!' (Mayor, listen, the people are in the struggle!). This highlights the alcalde as a direct target for civic engagement and activism.
Cultural Events
At art gallery openings, theater premieres, or sporting events, the mayor is often the guest of honor who gives a short welcoming speech.

La alcaldesa recibió a los campeones de la liga en el ayuntamiento para entregarles la medalla de la ciudad.

Legal and Formal Documents
Official letters from the city council often end with 'De orden del Sr. Alcalde' or contain his digital signature.
Finally, if you ever attend a pleno municipal (a public city council meeting), you will hear the word constantly as councilors address the chair. It is the heartbeat of local democracy. From the smallest village in the Andes to the bustling streets of Madrid, the word alcalde is the linguistic key to understanding how people organize their immediate social and political environment.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with alcalde is a phonetic one: confusing it with the word alcaide. While they look and sound very similar, their meanings are worlds apart. An alcalde is a mayor, whereas an alcaide is a prison warden or a governor of a castle. Confusing the two in a conversation about local politics could lead to some very funny, or very awkward, misunderstandings. Imagine telling someone that the 'alcaide' is doing a great job with the city's parks!
The Gender Trap
Another common error is failing to use the feminine form 'alcaldesa' when referring to a woman. While some titles in Spanish are becoming gender-neutral, 'alcaldesa' is the standard and expected term.

Incorrect: Ella es el alcalde de la ciudad. Correct: Ella es la alcaldesa de la ciudad.

Spelling is another area where learners struggle. The word contains a 'c' followed by an 'a', which produces a hard 'k' sound. Some learners might accidentally write 'algalde' or 'alcalde' with a 'k'. Remember, Spanish almost never uses 'k' except in foreign loanwords. Also, don't forget the 'e' at the end; it's not 'alcald'.
Preposition Pitfall
English speakers often forget the 'personal a' when the mayor is the object of a verb. You must say 'Visité al alcalde', not 'Visité el alcalde'.

El periodista entrevistó al alcalde sobre los nuevos presupuestos municipales.

Confusion with 'Presidente'
In some US contexts, people might refer to the 'President' of a town board. In Spanish, never use 'presidente' for a mayor; 'alcalde' is the only correct term for the head of a city.
A more subtle mistake is using 'alcalde' when 'ayuntamiento' (the institution) is more appropriate. For instance, 'El alcalde construyó el puente' (The mayor built the bridge) is common in speech, but 'El ayuntamiento construyó el puente' is more precise for formal writing. Finally, remember that 'alcalde' is a noun, not a verb. You cannot 'alcaldar' a city; you 'gobiernas' (govern) or 'diriges' (lead) it as an alcalde. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this essential political term.
While alcalde is the most common term for a mayor, there are several synonyms and related terms that vary by region and context. In many parts of Latin America, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, the term intendente is used instead of or alongside alcalde to refer to the head of a municipality. It's important to know which term is preferred in the country you are visiting. In Mexico, you might also hear presidente municipal, which is the official title used in the Mexican constitution for the head of a municipio.
Regional Variations
Spain uses 'alcalde'. Argentina uses 'intendente'. Mexico uses 'presidente municipal'. All three refer to essentially the same role.

En Buenos Aires, los ciudadanos votan por el intendente para que gestione los servicios de la ciudad.

Another related word is regidor or concejal. These terms refer to the members of the city council (the 'councilors' or 'aldermen'). While the alcalde is the leader, the concejales are the ones who vote on the laws and budgets. In some historical or very formal contexts, you might see corregidor, which was a royal official with judicial and administrative powers in Spanish towns, though this term is now obsolete in modern government. In very small villages in Spain, the person in charge might be called an alcalde pedáneo if the village belongs to a larger municipality but has its own minor local authority. This is a very specific administrative term. If you want to talk about the 'office' of the mayor rather than the person, you use alcaldía. For example, 'La alcaldía emitió un comunicado' (The mayor's office issued a statement).
Comparison: Alcalde vs. Gobernador
An 'alcalde' manages a city ('ciudad') or town ('pueblo'), while a 'gobernador' manages a larger region like a state ('estado') or province ('provincia').

El gobernador y el alcalde se reunieron para coordinar la respuesta ante la emergencia climática.

Comparison: Alcalde vs. Corregidor
'Alcalde' is the modern democratic term. 'Corregidor' is a historical term from the era of the Spanish Empire.
Understanding these alternatives helps you navigate the diverse political landscapes of the Hispanosphere. Whether you are in Madrid, Mexico City, or Santiago, knowing the right word for the local leader shows a high level of cultural competence and linguistic precision. It allows you to engage more deeply with local news, history, and social issues, making your Spanish much more functional and nuanced.
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Examples by Level

1

El alcalde vive en esa casa grande.

The mayor lives in that big house.

Subject + Verb + Prepositional Phrase.

2

La alcaldesa es muy inteligente.

The mayor (female) is very intelligent.

Feminine noun 'alcaldesa' matches feminine adjective 'inteligente'.

3

¿Quién es el alcalde de tu pueblo?

Who is the mayor of your town?

Interrogative sentence using 'quién'.

4

El alcalde habla con los niños.

The mayor speaks with the children.

Present tense of 'hablar'.

5

Yo quiero ser alcalde algún día.

I want to be mayor someday.

Infinitive 'ser' used after the verb 'querer'.

6

El alcalde trabaja mucho todos los días.

The mayor works a lot every day.

Adverbial phrase 'todos los días'.

7

La foto del alcalde está en la pared.

The mayor's photo is on the wall.

Possession using 'de' + 'el' = 'del'.

8

El alcalde tiene las llaves de la ciudad.

The mayor has the keys to the city.

Direct object 'las llaves'.

1

El alcalde inauguró el nuevo parque ayer por la tarde.

The mayor inaugurated the new park yesterday afternoon.

Preterite tense of 'inaugurar'.

2

Fuimos al ayuntamiento para ver a la alcaldesa.

We went to the town hall to see the mayor (female).

Use of 'personal a' before 'la alcaldesa'.

3

El alcalde dio un discurso corto durante la fiesta.

The mayor gave a short speech during the party.

Preterite of 'dar'.

4

Muchos vecinos están contentos con el nuevo alcalde.

Many neighbors are happy with the new mayor.

Preposition 'con' followed by the noun phrase.

5

La alcaldesa prometió mejorar el transporte público.

The mayor (female) promised to improve public transport.

Infinitive 'mejorar' following the verb 'prometió'.

6

El alcalde no pudo venir a la reunión hoy.

The mayor couldn't come to the meeting today.

Negative 'no' + modal 'pudo'.

7

El alcalde siempre lleva un traje azul en los eventos.

The mayor always wears a blue suit at events.

Frequency adverb 'siempre'.

8

¿Sabes cómo se llama el alcalde de Madrid?

Do you know what the mayor of Madrid is called?

Indirect question structure.

1

El alcalde ha decidido peatonalizar la calle principal.

The mayor has decided to pedestrianize the main street.

Present perfect tense 'ha decidido'.

2

Es necesario que el alcalde escuche las quejas de los ciudadanos.

It is necessary for the mayor to listen to the citizens' complaints.

Subjunctive 'escuche' after 'es necesario que'.

3

El alcalde fue criticado por la falta de limpieza en los barrios.

The mayor was criticized for the lack of cleanliness in the neighborhoods.

Passive voice 'fue criticado'.

4

Si yo fuera alcalde, bajaría los impuestos inmediatamente.

If I were mayor, I would lower taxes immediately.

Second conditional: 'si' + imperfect subjunctive + conditional.

5

La alcaldesa se reunió con los empresarios para fomentar el empleo.

The mayor met with business owners to promote employment.

Reflexive verb 'reunirse'.

6

El alcalde firmó un acuerdo para construir un nuevo hospital.

The mayor signed an agreement to build a new hospital.

Preterite 'firmó'.

7

A pesar de la lluvia, el alcalde asistió a la inauguración.

Despite the rain, the mayor attended the inauguration.

Concessive phrase 'A pesar de'.

8

El alcalde representa a todos los habitantes de la ciudad.

The mayor represents all the inhabitants of the city.

Verb 'representar' + 'a'.

1

El alcalde se enfrenta a una moción de censura por parte de la oposición.

The mayor is facing a vote of no confidence from the opposition.

Reflexive 'se enfrenta a'.

2

La gestión del alcalde ha sido puesta en entredicho tras la auditoría.

The mayor's management has been called into question following the audit.

Passive voice with 'ser puesta'.

3

El alcalde apeló a la responsabilidad ciudadana para ahorrar agua.

The mayor appealed to civic responsibility to save water.

Verb 'apelar a'.

4

Dudo que el alcalde pueda cumplir todas sus promesas electorales.

I doubt that the mayor can fulfill all his election promises.

Subjunctive 'pueda' after 'dudo que'.

5

El alcalde ostenta el cargo desde hace más de una década.

The mayor has held the position for more than a decade.

Verb 'ostentar' (to hold/possess) + 'desde hace'.

6

La alcaldesa abogó por una mayor descentralización de los servicios.

The mayor advocated for greater decentralization of services.

Verb 'abogar por'.

7

El alcalde se vio obligado a dimitir tras el escándalo financiero.

The mayor was forced to resign following the financial scandal.

Passive structure 'se vio obligado a'.

8

El alcalde delegó sus funciones en el teniente de alcalde durante su baja.

The mayor delegated his duties to the deputy mayor during his leave.

Verb 'delegar' + 'en'.

1

El alcalde, en un alarde de demagogia, prometió lo imposible.

The mayor, in a display of demagoguery, promised the impossible.

Use of 'alarde de' for rhetorical effect.

2

La figura del alcalde ha sido fundamental en la vertebración del territorio.

The figure of the mayor has been fundamental in the organization of the territory.

Noun 'vertebración' (structuring/organization).

3

El alcalde se amparó en la legalidad vigente para denegar la licencia.

The mayor relied on current legality to deny the license.

Reflexive 'ampararse en'.

4

Resulta paradójico que el alcalde, siendo ecologista, autorizara la tala.

It is paradoxical that the mayor, being an environmentalist, authorized the logging.

Gerund 'siendo' used as a concessive clause.

5

El alcalde supo capear el temporal político con gran astucia.

The mayor knew how to weather the political storm with great cunning.

Idiomatic expression 'capear el temporal'.

6

La retórica del alcalde suele ser conciliadora pero poco efectiva.

The mayor's rhetoric is usually conciliatory but not very effective.

Adjective 'conciliadora'.

7

El alcalde fue el artífice de la transformación urbanística de la ciudad.

The mayor was the architect of the city's urban transformation.

Noun 'artífice' (creator/architect).

8

No es de extrañar que el alcalde goce de tanta popularidad en su feudo.

It is not surprising that the mayor enjoys so much popularity in his stronghold.

Subjunctive 'goce' after 'no es de extrañar que'.

1

El alcalde se ha convertido en un auténtico 'atrapalotodo' político.

The mayor has become a true political 'catch-all'.

Use of the political science term 'atrapalotodo' (catch-all).

2

La hegemonía del alcalde se sustenta en una tupida red de clientelismo.

The mayor's hegemony is based on a dense network of clientelism.

High-level vocabulary like 'hegemonía' and 'clientelismo'.

3

El alcalde hizo gala de una flema británica ante los insultos de los manifestantes.

The mayor displayed British phlegm (calmness) in the face of the protesters' insults.

Idiomatic 'hacer gala de' and 'flema británica'.

4

La impronta del alcalde es visible en cada rincón de este municipio.

The mayor's mark is visible in every corner of this municipality.

Noun 'impronta' (mark/stamp).

5

El alcalde se desmarcó de las directrices de su partido a nivel nacional.

The mayor distanced himself from his party's national directives.

Reflexive 'desmarcarse de'.

6

La verborrea del alcalde no logró ocultar el vacío de sus propuestas.

The mayor's wordiness failed to hide the emptiness of his proposals.

Noun 'verborrea' (excessive talk).

7

El alcalde actuó como un mero convidado de piedra en la negociación.

The mayor acted as a mere 'stone guest' (silent bystander) in the negotiation.

Literary allusion 'convidado de piedra' from Don Juan.

8

La gestión del alcalde es un ejemplo de resiliencia ante la adversidad económica.

The mayor's management is an example of resilience in the face of economic adversity.

Noun 'resiliencia'.

Common Collocations

Elegir al alcalde
Alcalde en funciones
Teniente de alcalde
Gabinete del alcalde
Bajo el mandato del alcalde
Reunión con el alcalde
Campaña del alcalde
Decreto del alcalde
Discurso del alcalde
Cese del alcalde

Common Phrases

Hablar con el alcalde

— To speak with the mayor, often to resolve a local issue.

Si tienes un problema con el ruido, habla con el alcalde.

Votar al alcalde

— To cast a vote for a mayoral candidate.

Mucha gente votó al alcalde por sus promesas sociales.

Ser la mano derecha del alcalde

— T

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