The journalist Rebeca Paniagua will be the Popular Party (PP) candidate for Parliament heading the electoral list for Tenerife and the lawyer Lope Afonso is the conservatives’ bet on the Cabildo. This was made public yesterday by the autonomous president of the PP, Manuel Dominguezas a proposal to the Insular Electoral Committee, the body that must ratify these appointments.
Both are an example of Domínguez’s commitment to “give muscle” to the match in the Archipelago. In Afonso’s helmet, because he “fairly returns to the Popular Party”; while Paniagua debuts in politics. The presentation of both before the media is part of the Plan to govern that was addressed during the itinerant regional convention that the PP closed last Saturday, at the Víctor Cinema in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Domínguez shared with the president of the popular in Tenerife, Emilio Navarro, the merit of signing Rebeca Paniagua “after several weeks of talks”, and defined Lope Afonso as “a friend” who returns and who “is a value of the Popular Party , who knows how to manage and knows municipalism».
From TV to posters
Rebeca Paniagua, a native of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1977), has a degree in Journalism from the San Pablo CEU University, cShe began her professional career on the radio, on Cadena COPE, and on Antena 3. She has also been the presenter of the Canarian Television programs El Expreso, La Recamara and Buenas tardes Canarias, until last July.
«When Domínguez told me about his project, it sounded true, it sounded real, it sounded exciting»
She arrives at the Popular Party convinced by the “reformist, renovating and exciting project” that Manuel Domínguez explained to her in tandem with Emilio Navarro. «After listening to many politicians at all hours and every day, when Manuel Domínguez told me about his project, it sounded true, it sounded real, it sounded exciting». With that base, she was convinced that the PP will work “for a better Canary Islands for everyone and, as a mother, for my children. That’s why I join this project.”
In less than two minutes of appearance, the one that is outlined as a candidate (it will be when determined by the insular Electoral Committee) assured that “I come to learn and work, to contribute my knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas.” She thanked the leaders of the Popular Party for the trust placed in her and highlighted the challenge facing her: “Parliament is an institution that I deeply respect. It is an honor to be part of this project.”
“They respond to my commitment to give muscle to the PP in the Archipelago”
The return of Alfonso
Lope Afonso will lead the PP candidacy for the Cabildo on May 28, 2023, an “immense satisfaction and responsibility”. Born in Puerto de la Cruz (August 3, 1979), he has a law degree from the University of La Laguna and Diploma in the School of Legal Practice of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In 1988 he joined New Generations, was the third deputy mayor and councilor for Economic Development, Commerce and Administrative Concessions of Puerto de La Cruz (2011-2015), a city in which he held the Mayor’s Office since May 13, 2015. Candidate to the Cabildo in 2019, took office as government counselor. In September of that year he resigned from his public and organic positions after being disqualified for 9 years, until, in 2021, the Provincial Court acquitted him.
“Getting here has not been easy. I have had to go through an unpleasant moment. In that period doubts arise, but the strength of convictions, on the one hand, and the direct action of Manuel Domínguez and Emilio Navarro have been decisive. Without your interest, support and trust, I would not be here today taking on this great challenge. A reflection that included his colleagues from the PP in Puerto de la Cruz and the island councilors of the moment, in addition to his family.
«It is worth fighting for the most important island of the Canary Islands, the one that leads the Archipelago»
He returns loaded with “responsibility” for representing “the most important political party in this country” and “the alternative.” He committed work in the line that defines the PP, he highlighted: “A way of doing politics that prioritizes seriousness, responsibility, that pivots on experience and is committed to attracting the talent that is in society.”
The PP candidate to preside over the Cabildo was convinced that “it is worth fighting for the most important island in the Canary Islands, the one that leads the Archipelago in population and extension, the one that is called to continue being the one that leads growth, that Let Tenerife be the one to show its face to help the Archipelago recover the level of well-being that makes us be Spaniards with the same rights».
Manuel Domínguez announced that in the coming days and weeks the Popular Party will continue with the round of presentations of its candidates for Parliament for each Island and each Cabildo, including some island capitals.
