Access to Elite Wealth: The Role of Mayors in the Canary Islands

In 2023, up to 42% of the town councils in the Canary Islands – or four out of ten – raised the salaries of their mayors. Following the local elections held on May 28 of that year, whether due to the appointment of a new municipal councillor earning more than their predecessor or an increase in pay for those re-elected, the truth remains that the expense associated with the mayoral office rose in 37 out of the 88 councils within the Autonomous Community. This information is detailed in the latest Salary Information for Administration Positions (ISPA), recently released by the Ministry of Public Service. The ISPA indicates that the principal councillors of the Islands – predominantly those serving on a full-time basis – receive an average annual salary of €47,816.45. This figure positions local councillors within the elite group of the top 10% of earners in the region.