Louijeune sworn in as Boston City Council president

Boston City Council elected Councilor at-large Ruthzee Louijeune as its new president Monday, as the city's governing body swore in its newest members.

Outgoing president and South Boston Councilor Ed Flynn nominated Councilor Julia Mejia for the role, but Mejia declined.

“I think it’s important for us to recognize that the body here has an opportunity to really show up in this chamber, in the way we have been elected to do so. And that is being reflective of the community we serve,” she said.

Louijeune’s election as president comes as no surprise. Following November's election, where she collected the most votes on the council, she said she had adequate support from other city councilors to be elected president.

Louijeune is the first Haitian-American and third Black woman to serve in the role.

“While others try to divide our city … I reject the old and new dichotomy,” Louijeune said. “I believe in a true Boston … A true Boston is an inclusive Boston.”

She spoke about her plans for her new post, which include addressing issues like affordable housing, public health and safety.

“To bring out the best in true Boston, this body will continue to work on the shared prosperity of our residents,” she said.

The council's newly sworn members include Ben Weber, who replaced Kendra Lara in District 6;  Enrique Pepén, who replaced Ricardo Arroyo in District 5; Henry Santana, who took the empty city councilor at-large seat left behind by the departing Michael Flaherty; and John Fitzgerald, who was backed by the retiring Frank Baker to take the District 3 seat. Arroyo and Lara both lost in September’s primary races while Flaherty and Baker did not seek reelection.

Returning district councilors include Liz Breadon, District 9; Sharon Durkan, District 8; Tania Fernandes Anderson, District 7; Brian Worrell, District 4; Ed Flynn, District 2; and Gabriela Gigi Coletta, District 1.