By Cristo Suárez/Juan Carlos Mateu. | The governance of the Arona municipality remains uncertain following the mayor, Fátima Lemes (PP), sacking four councillors from Más Por Arona last Wednesday. This action reduces the governing body to 10 councillors, three short of the absolute majority, and will compel the mayor to, at least initially, seek a new coalition with the two representatives of Vox while also considering the support of Nauzet Fariña, formerly of Ciudadanos por Arona and currently identified as part of New Canary Islands, which has remained silent.
The Arona councillor acknowledged yesterday that “perhaps we were mistaken in not considering other alternatives right from the outset because our intention for governance was change, and with councillors who were previously involved in a split and controversy, it might not have been the most suitable approach.”
In comments to Ser, Lemes asserted that her decision to dismiss the four council members was “not a whim, but a well-considered choice following a series of circumstances,” and in terms of the potential new alliance, she expressed that, “I am hopeful, although we still lack a definitive formula, but there will soon be updates regarding possible support, either from within the governing body or outside.”
Meanwhile, Clara Pérez, spokesperson for the Canary Coalition (CC), deputy mayor, and councillor for Environment, Sustainability, and Public Services, expressed her deep regret over the current situation and stated that CC is open to discussions with all parties for the municipality’s stability.
“We have maintained an agreement with both these parties for nearly two years, Más por Arona and Partido Popular, and on numerous occasions, I have endeavoured to bridge the gaps, addressing the lack of trust that the mayor refers to. I have sought to align our positions and have acted as a conciliatory force. However, regrettably, the mayor, who possesses a better understanding of how the various areas are functioning, has chosen to withdraw support from the councillors,” she remarked.
She reiterated that “we (CC) were not involved in that decision. The mayor informed me the day prior, explaining the rationale, which had already been addressed at the pact’s monitoring table. I respect the decision, just as I hope our choice not to be part of it will be understood and respected.”
Concerning the possibility of Vox joining the municipal government, Clara Pérez opted not to comment at present, although she noted, “it is essential to engage with the various political forces to achieve potential consensus and prevent stagnation in the work of this council, allowing Arona to overcome its current impasse.”
She added that “this is not merely about parties; it’s about the people and the municipality’s welfare. If I find common ground, even if I don’t align with other principles, such as those of the PP, PSOE, or Vox, as long as they align with the mandate project and what was agreed upon in the pact, we will not dismiss the opportunity. Our primary concern at the moment, beyond any boundaries, is to secure stability. Arona takes precedence over any political dispute. “We remain open to anyone aligned with these objectives.”
The four dismissed councillors have allowed nearly 48 hours to elapse before presenting their side of the story, which they will share in a press conference this morning. Dácil León, who led the Más Por Arona list in the last elections, acknowledged that Lemes might have already sought a new alliance. “I assume he will garner support; it is evident because without them, the government cannot proceed,” he stated. Additionally, he expressed that “Más Por Arona has effectively managed its portfolios, which is evidently frustrating,” and characterised the mayor’s conduct as “dictatorial and commanding.” The party has scheduled an information meeting this afternoon at 7:00 p.m. at its premises in Valle San Lorenzo.
BUSINESS CONCERNS
Concern is escalating among the business community in Arona and Tenerife, who are eager for a swift resolution to the governmental crisis. While the Círculo de Empresarios del Sur (CEST) prioritises caution and prefers to wait for the situation to develop, the president of the Forum of Friends of the South of Tenerife (FAST), José Fernando Cabrera, conveyed to this newspaper yesterday that “what Arona requires now is stability, as it, alongside Adeje, forms the economic engine of Tenerife; hence, proper territorial planning is essential, as this remains a pending issue for the municipality.” The former president of Ashotel expressed gratitude for the efforts made by the four councillors removed from office and wished “the best” for the City Council in the two lengthy years that lie ahead in their tenure.
The political crisis in Arona impacts three critical areas within the government structure: Tourism, with Fitur approaching; Housing, which has emerged as a significant national concern; and Urban Planning, with numerous critical matters awaiting resolution, including the approval of the El Mojón Partial Plan by the City Council, one of the most sought-after land parcels in Tenerife, spanning 908,306 square metres at the entrance of Los Cristianos.
Regaining Trust of Local Residents
“We must focus on our responsibilities and work towards restoring residents’ trust in the politicians of Arona, as there is unfortunately a significant disillusionment; just observe the low turnout in the last elections (with over 61% abstention),” he remarked.
