The Arico City Council, jointly led by the PSOE and the PP, along with the opposition parties comprised of the Canarian Coalition (CC) and Arico Somos Todos (AST), are once again at the centre of a political clash. This latest conflict arises from the disbursement of subsidies to local organisations and the provisional state of the secretarial position within the council. These elements have heightened tensions at a crucial time, with budgeted financial support still awaiting distribution.
CC, the foremost opposition party, voiced its apprehension yesterday regarding the hold-up in the allocation of nearly 490,000 euros designated for assistance to cultural groups, sports associations, and festival committees. Víctor García, their spokesperson, alerted to the “challenges” this delay poses for organisations, particularly those reliant on these funds for their operations.
Additionally, García elaborated on how “certain clubs within the municipality, which have their expenses covered, are facing particularly severe difficulties.” He also expressed his belief that “the governing party will struggle to distribute the subsidies punctually this year.”
“The process is still progressing”
The second deputy mayor, Ariam Álvarez, noted that “the documentation accreditation process for these subsidies commenced in May and is still in progress.” He further emphasised the increase in budget allowances to support the municipal music band, with an additional aid of approximately 20,000 euros being allocated.
The provisional status of the town council’s secretarial position and Intervention has emerged as another point of debate. Arico Somos Todos released a statement yesterday expressing their “concern regarding the absence of stability” in this role.
They clarified that this position, which is vital for the smooth functioning of the municipality, holds various powers including economic-financial and budgetary management, necessitating “utmost responsibility.”
The municipal government maintains that “it is adhering to current regulations.” Tejera stated that the secretarial position “was recently occupied by a nationally accredited official after being vacant for over 15 years.” Currently, the position is “being managed under a regime of accumulated responsibilities, in line with legal requirements.”
