He considers himself an “innovative” politician. Carlos Tarife (PP) stood in the recent elections as a “newcomer” candidate for the Mayor of the capital, a vision he aims to realise by 2027. Having spent a year and a half in the Santa Cruz City Council, the first deputy mayor and councillor for Public Services, Planning and Environmental Sustainability expresses enthusiasm for contributing to a city that faces significant challenges in the years ahead. Goals include achieving zero discharge and urban development on the lands of the Refinery.
-What initiatives will define the new political direction?
“This will be a significant political direction. We are nearing completion of crucial work such as San Martín Street, which we plan to finish by mid-November, coinciding with La Rosa Street in that section. Additionally, we are preparing the 2025 budget, which will introduce various new features. For the first time, we will draft a project for a large green space in the Cabo Llanos area, situated between the two towers, alongside another project to be developed by the end of next year for the Añaza maritime platform, with an investment of approximately 15 million euros. Moreover, we must not overlook our objective of achieving zero discharge; we have recently received the final authorisation necessary to commence the last pipeline works from San Andrés to María Jiménez. The goal is for the municipality to regain the blue flag it lost 23 years ago by 2026.”
-Will next year also see construction projects?
“There will be significant works. We are collaborating with both the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands to ensure their assistance in executing these projects and committing funding for Santa Cruz’s first fully pedestrian street in El Toscal, Santiago Street. We already have the project approved, and our aim is to proceed with the construction, which will involve an investment of 2,040,000 euros to transform this area completely.”
-Another ambition is Santa Cruz Verde 2030. What developments are planned for the land that the Refinery occupied?
“At last, the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo are aligned with Santa Cruz, unlike the situations with Pedro Martín or Ángel Víctor Torres. However, it must be emphasised that this project cannot solely belong to Bermúdez or Tarife; it should represent Santa Cruz as a whole. Thus, it needs to be participatory, following the direction set by the new director of Santa Cruz Verde 2030, Juan Ramón Lazcano. Once we receive assistance from the Government in suspending the land planning, the citizens will decide what they want to see there—be it more recreation areas, significant sports facilities, a new interchange, or, of course, residential and green spaces. One of my aspirations would be to extend La Rambla from the pool to the Palmetum, creating a green corridor within the city for walking or exercising. Designing this future urban expansion will be essential, ensuring it remains a city project rather than a personal one.”
-Will Cabo Llanos be central to the city’s future Green Infrastructure Plan?
“The initial step will be undertaken in Cabo Llanos. We finally have this plan to develop, and we will seek European funding for it. Nonetheless, I must commend the exceptional work of the Parks and Gardens unit, which oversees the 50,000 trees in the city. Occasionally, trees must be removed due to illness, as they are living beings. Conversely, we are planting nearly five more trees than we are removing, resulting in a positive balance of green species. Additionally, we are carrying out small urban renovations to enhance shade in streets like Costa and Grijalba.”
-There’s talk of planting additional trees along the streets. Will there be more parks?
“The plan promotes ensuring that every resident has a green space located less than 300 metres from their home. To achieve this, it must align with the General Urban Planning Plan, which we hope to have initially approved during this mandate to implement essential modifications that will generate more green areas in the city. For instance, there’s the new park planned for Cabo Llanos between the towers, as well as another near the Regla hermitage, upon completion of the treatment plant pumping station work.”
-Is Santa Cruz evolving into a more environmentally friendly city?
“Our intention is to promote more sustainable mobility, particularly in the city centre. Evidence of this is the bike lane initiative being launched. As a result, the bus stop will be relocated from the start of Méndez Núñez Street to Weyler Square, where the cycling network will commence. On the night of October 13, we expect to commence this work, which is anticipated to last between six and seven months. It will be the first substantial bike lane in the city, connecting through Méndez Núñez, El Pilar, and Villalba Hervás streets, passing through Plaza España towards Bravo Murillo and the interchange. Furthermore, there will be a route from Bravo Murillo that ascends through San Sebastián to the market, with an investment of nearly 1.3 million euros.”
-Wouldn’t extending tram lines be another sustainable alternative?
“At this juncture, I still struggle to comprehend the Cabildo’s stance, as extending the tram to Las Teresitas, for example, could yield excellent results. The road would be urbanised, providing a more convenient exit with public transport to the Anaga neighbourhoods. As a party, we oppose the tram running through Los Majuelos, and when the Government of the Canary Islands commences the Ofra-El Chorrillo road project, I support extending the tram to reach Los Alisios, from which it would further extend to Añaza and Acorán. Additionally, residents of Santa Cruz strongly believe that it should connect to Los Rodeos; it’s illogical for many residents to miss flights due to congestion on the highway.”
-A future hotel is proposed in the renovation plans for Las Teresitas beach. Will this transpire?
“I would like to remind the PSOE that when they approved the 2013 General Plan, with CC’s vote and the PP’s abstention, we warned that this plan would be overturned by the courts, and we were right. The PGU concerning Las Teresitas aimed to create a special plan where José Ángel Martín, the PSOE councillor at the time, designated an area with an H for hotel development, which received support from socialist votes. Therefore, for Patricia Hernández to revisit what her party formerly endorsed is contradictory. The commitment to a medium-sized hotel in San Andrés seems quite reasonable, especially on a municipal plot, as it would significantly fund the works, around 30 to 35 million euros, necessary for the area. For these reasons, I am not receptive to receiving lessons from the PSOE on this matter when in other municipalities they approve projects like Cuna del Alma while opposing the first tourist hotel in Santa Cruz.”
-Has the capital finally dispelled the notion of being a ghost town on weekends?
“We have revitalised Santa Cruz. We promised this during the election campaign, and we are delivering. I committed to the residents that they wouldn’t have to travel to other municipalities in Tenerife or Las Palmas for concerts anymore. This is no longer the case, as the Port Authority, no longer under PSOE control, has changed its approach. It was unacceptable that an empty esplanade, which was used for a Christmas concert, was denied for a Santa Cruz event simply by someone from the Socialist Party. Meanwhile,
The entity responsible for altering this imprint has been the well-liked government in the capital city. Evidence of this can be seen in the triumphant summer concert series. Santa Cruz is vibrant, yet it needs to be even more so, and to achieve this, we are implementing numerous projects and improvements throughout the city.
-Are you still enthusiastic about running for Mayor in 2027?
“I am part of a team led by Manuel Domínguez, the captain. Currently, he has entrusted me with the oversight of Santa Cruz, but between now and 2027, I can’t predict the future, although I do have my own views and preferences. People are aware that I am thoroughly pleased and backed by a fantastic team. The PP is expanding, as evidenced by our success in the European elections here in Santa Cruz, which highlights our ongoing efforts. In 2023, I stood for Mayor for the first time against two individuals with prior experience in the role, making me somewhat of the newcomer. Even so, I managed to deliver improved results for the party, and we secured a commendable outcome. If it is ultimately determined that I should take on this role in 2027, I will do so, but not as a novice; instead, I will bring the requisite experience, having spent years in Urban Planning and leading Public Services, to pursue what I truly aspire to.”
-Do you consider him an innovative politician?
“I see myself as innovative. Campaigns like the one featuring the chair, which some have termed mahangada, are how I believe I am perceived. It was a contentious initiative, yet it successfully raised public awareness regarding the need for a cleaner city. We have a cleaning service, and while contracts can always be improved, we invest 20 million euros annually to maintain cleanliness, supervising operations. However, that is not the sole aspect. I can choose to drop a piece of litter and feel fine about it, but if I dispose of it in a bin, I am actively contributing to a cleaner city. Thus, when people approach me and complain that Santa Cruz is dirty, we need to reflect on our own actions.”
-Another initiative you announced is the installation of a cable car to Las Mesas park. What progress has been made on this idea?
“The company conducting the initial studies for the cable car has informed us that the project is feasible from an urban perspective, so we will now proceed with the commissioning. Subsequently, we will engage with Teleférico de Teide for management. Additionally, cities such as Granada are receiving European funds for their second cable car, so we must also pursue this opportunity. This parallels our discussions regarding the demolition of the Añaza building, which many deemed imprudent at the time. I can assure you we are now closer to realising that goal. I can understand why residents might be sceptical since numerous politicians have proposed grand projects for Santa Cruz that never materialised, but I strive to deliver on my commitments. This extends to San Martín Street, where we promised a five-month timeline, yet we are on track to complete it ahead of schedule by the end of November.”
-What does you consider to be your greatest political and personal challenge?
“My personal challenge is to keep learning. I dislike office-based days and greatly enjoy those spent in the community, exchanging experiences with residents. I firmly believe in civic involvement and the importance of listening to the public. Regarding my political challenge, it is to further develop my party’s presence in Santa Cruz, with the clear aim of becoming the primary alternative to take the Mayor’s Office in 2026, one year before the elections.”
