The Mayor of Puerto de la Cruz, Marco González (PSOE), has accused the Portuense Citizen Assembly (ACP) of “betrayal” and forming an “unnatural and unfair motion of censure” by aligning with the right-wing. He has defended his government’s performance while leading the local executive.
At a press conference, González criticised the ACP for joining forces with the Popular Party and the Canary Islands Coalition to present a motion of censure against the PSOE, despite the PSOE winning the previous municipal elections. He accused the ACP spokesperson, David Hernández, of being dishonest and audacious, pointing out that the motion of censure was actually signed on July 29, contradicting the parties’ claims.
González stood by the PSOE’s financial management and refuted the ACP’s claims about the municipality’s financial crisis.
He condemned the ACP for mismanaging over 75% of the budget allocation for the year, accusing them of lacking integrity and transparency.
The Mayor insisted that Puerto de la Cruz should not be used as a bargaining chip and called on the involved political parties to prioritise the city’s welfare over their desire for power.
He dismissed the ACP’s arguments for the motion of censure as a fabricated justification for their alliance with the right-wing.
González revealed that the ACP had been planning the motion of censure for months, alleging that the PP had been courting the ACP since May or June.
He defended the PSOE’s handling of the City Council’s staff and criticised the ACP’s claims regarding personnel management.
González expressed disappointment over the situation and urged the parties behind the motion of censure to consider the repercussions of their actions.
He emphasised his lack of personal interest in remaining as mayor, stating that he has a separate job and is willing to return to it. He urged everyone to prioritise the well-being of Puerto de la Cruz over personal agendas.
The Mayor highlighted the accomplishments achieved during his tenure, defending his administration’s record.
Former public and private investments in the city have been spearheaded by PSOE, citing that the city is currently going through a “historic phase.” There is a prevailing confidence in the city’s development model that enhances urban experiences, he mentioned. He also cautioned that a vote of no confidence would signify a regression.
González reiterated that it was not the Socialist Party that expelled the ACP from the government, but rather the decision of the two council members from that party to step down.
“The Asamblea Ciudadana Portuense was not expelled by the Socialist Party. They willingly resigned from their positions and within an hour, they initiated a vote of no confidence at the City Hall,” González remarked. He urged ACP to reconsider their choice and put the city’s interests at the forefront.
He announced that the motion of censure is scheduled for August 16 and is expected to receive backing from the PP, ACP, and Coalición Canaria. If successful, Leopoldo Afonso from the Popular Party will be appointed as the mayor.
Following the last election, the distribution of councillors is as follows: PSOE, 10; Partido Popular, 7; Coalición Canaria, 2; and Asamblea Ciudadana Portuense, 2.
