Yesterday, the plenary session of Santa Cruz City Council approved the 2025 budget, projected at 364 million euros, with the support of the governing coalition – Canary Coalition (CC) and Popular Party (PP) – along with the independent councillor, Juan Manuel Hermoso (formerly of Vox). This budget is 10 million euros lower than that of 2024 and is designed to “enhance the quality of life for residents,” as stated by the Councilor for the Treasury, José Alberto Díaz Estébanez.
Conversely, the opposition parties, PSOE and VOX, opposed the budget, arguing that funding for housing, employment enhancements, and mobility has decreased. This was despite the proposed allocations for the cable car project intended to connect the city centre with Las Mesas park, as highlighted by socialist spokesperson, Patricia Hernández.
The Treasury mayor emphasised that “this is a restrained budget, aimed at achieving balance in line with the four-year planning initiated last year, as well as other projects we intend to commence throughout 2025.” Díaz Estébanez (CC) affirmed that “these accounts are balanced, efficient, and responsible, ensuring continuity in the investment plan, as Santa Cruz has numerous ongoing works, more than ever, which cannot continue without appropriate planning or financial backing.”
Concerning the forthcoming 2025 budget, which will be implemented in 15 days barring any objections, the mayor noted, “this is what Santa Cruz deserves, featuring an increase in social assistance allocations, rising from 29 to 32 million euros, to facilitate direct support for vulnerable individuals.” He also reassured that “the quality of essential public services is maintained without deviating from a low tax burden.”
There will also be an enhanced capacity for executing works, with a budget of approximately 73.4 million euros. In this context, he mentioned that projects such as the Masonic Temple and La Rosa Street will be completed in the upcoming year, along with the Guimerá Theatre and advancements on Viera and Clavijo. Additionally, plans include pedestrianisation of streets like Santiago, enhancements in public transport, housing developments, and new parking facilities, such as the one in Almeyda or the first above-ground car park in El Toscal, among others. These accounts encompass an amendment from the CC and PP, amounting to 500,000 euros, for the planning, creation, and management of car parks on municipal land.
The budget also allocates resources for launching the Palmetum coastal ring, urbanising the La Monja area, and developing a sustainable urban park in Barranco Grande. Moreover, it incorporates improvements in accessibility, sports infrastructure, and the establishment of the Low Emissions Zone. Consequently, the Councilor for Public Services and PP spokesperson, Carlos Tarife, termed this a “catalytic project” budget.
The opposition, whose amendments were turned down, dismissed the budget as “superficial.” Socialist spokesperson Patricia Hernández asserted that “these accounts do not address citizens’ issues. There is insufficient investment in public housing; initiatives for employment or training are stalled; and there are still no escalators for residents living on slopes who struggle to leave their homes. Furthermore, there is no funding for public transport despite the anticipated traffic restrictions, yet there is a budget for a cable car.” Meanwhile, Alejandro Gómez from VOX remarked that “the budget cuts spending on fundamental projects while tax collection is increased.”
