During the Plenary Session yesterday, the island Government representatives CC, PP, and Vox received approval for their proposal to extend Line 2 of the tram by 600 meters, from the current Tíncer stop to Muñeco de Nieve. The motion was supported by the proponents and opposed by the PSOE. The approved motion states that the island Government will proceed with the project following mandatory reports, public information process, and in agreement with the Santa Cruz City Council.
Minister of Mobility, Eulalia García, explained that the island’s commitment to sustainable mobility led to this expansion, as it was the most advanced from a technical and administrative perspective. However, she stressed that the extension does not include Los Majuelos Avenue or Las Hespérides.
Manuel Martínez from the PSOE expressed concern that the proposed stop at Muñeco de Nieve is at the beginning of Los Majuelos Avenue and could potentially jeopardize the future of that avenue. He requested the island Government to confirm if they intend to extend Line 2 to La Gallega and commit to not doing so through Los Majuelos Avenue, taking into consideration the demands of the local associations.
Addressing these concerns, Minister García clarified that while there was a previous proposal to extend the line to La Gallega along Los Majuelos Avenue, it has not been agreed upon. She emphasized that the current approval is only for the 600-meter extension between Tíncer and Muñeco de Nieve.
Fernández from the PP reiterated that the extension to La Gallega, neither through Los Majuelos nor Las Hespérides, is not being considered. He pointed out that the current Government team is following the roadmap established in the previous legislature when the process began.
The motion specifically states that “the only proposed route is the extension to the Snowman, and the next extension will be subject to consultation with the City Council and necessary citizen participation processes.”
During the debate, several neighborhood representatives from the area raised objections, leading to their eviction from the plenary hall by the island president, Rosa Dávila. The Plenary also approved a motion for the rehabilitation of the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, with a view to celebrating its centenary in 2025, with the abstention of the PSOE.
Additionally, an inquiry was addressed by Minister Fernández, at the request of the PSOE, on the situation of Bodegas Insulares, following the Island Government Council’s decision not to extend the use of the facilities of the Bodega Insular de Tacoronte by the company Bodegas Insulares. The counselor explained that the contract expired on December 31 and, after prior legal analysis, it was not viable to extend its use. However, a nine-month period has been established for the activity to continue in the winery, while the Cabildo establishes a roadmap for a legal and social solution to the problem.
Appointment of Vice Presidents
The Cabildo also announced the appointment of the Ministers of Mobility, Eulalia García, and Social Action, Águeda Fumero, as fourth and fifth vice presidents, respectively, reinforcing the commitment to strategic and fundamental areas with a significant social impact.
These appointments were made on the same day that the PSOE presented a motion in the plenary session requesting equity in the vice-presidencies of the Council, which until then were occupied by only three men.
Call for Suspending the Refinery Planning
The Plenary Session approved a motion presented by CC, PP, and Vox, urging the Government of the Canary Islands to initiate the process, under article 168 of the Canary Islands Land Law, to suspend the planning instruments affecting the area of land occupied by the Refinery. The objective is to create a unified plan aligned with the Santa Cruz Verde 2030 Plan and coordinate powers and interests of all involved administrations and agents.
However, Aarón Afonso from the PSOE argued that the reasons to resort to article 168 are not justified, and there has been no participation process for the citizens of the capital to partake in the decision regarding the future uses of these lands.
