The general secretary of the PSOE in the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, has stated that it would be “tragic” for Vox to become a part of the Arona City Council (Tenerife) administration following the “loss of confidence” that led to the removal of Más Arona councillors by councillor Fátima Lemes (PP).
During an interview on Radio Canaria, Torres noted that Más por Arona was formed due to “a split that divided the PSOE group into two,” which previously held an absolute majority in that municipality located in the south of Tenerife during the last legislative period.
Torres expressed concerns that, following this removal, Mayor Lemes is now looking to govern in coalition “with the far-right, CC, and a councillor from NC” in a municipality that is significant in terms of population and tourism, but has experienced historical political instability. Therefore, the PSOE is considering initiating “mechanisms to provide stability.”
The Minister of Territorial Policy has questioned, “What will transpire in this municipality if the far-right comes to power?”
“Are we, as political groups who identify as proponents of equality, rights, the Autonomous State, the outermost regions, and the unique characteristics of the Canary Islands, really willing to support the government of Arona relying on a party that refutes all of this?”
The Minister of Democratic Memory has also confirmed that events included in the programme commemorating the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco’s death will take place in the Canary Islands, such as the designation of the Tefía centre (Fuerteventura) as a site of remembrance used by the dictatorship to imprison and force homosexuals into labour.
Moreover, he announced that his department will allocate 100,000 euros this year to the councils of La Palma, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura to fund exhumations “of individuals who lost their lives in the fight for freedom,” with additional aid to be provided to other Canary island councils in a subsequent round.
