It seems that the decision arrived later than expected following the unmistakable message from the politician Pedro Martín, who remains the general secretary of the socialists in Tenerife. On Saturday, he announced his definitive decision against seeking re-election during a meeting of the island’s executive committee. This island serves as a stronghold for the PSOE in the Canary Islands, and the leader then informed the party’s main executive body, which had been anticipated, that he would no longer stand for the prominent position in island leadership.
Initially, Martín expressed his commitment, feeling optimistic, but subsequent to the convening of an island committee of the PSOE, he disclosed that his affirmative response had shifted to a negative one—a resignation articulated as a public declaration. The native of Isora (hailing from Guía de Isora, in the south of Tenerife, where he held the mayoral position for multiple terms) lacked the clear, explicit backing of both the regional and federal leadership, which was a significant factor among others that led him to withdraw from the political arena.
Following that choice, indirectly prompted by the scant support and enthusiasm shown by the more influential politicians at higher echelons, the outcome appeared obvious, paving the way for the relatively young Lagunero politician, currently a local councillor in La Laguna. All attention turned to Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, who enjoyed considerable backing from higher authorities, yet he promptly declared that he was not prepared for the role at this moment…
Subsequently, the spotlight shifted to Aarón Afonso from Porto, who is still somewhat taken aback, as noted. This continued until Wednesday’s unexpected entrance of Gustavo Matos, who, after a series of discussions and deliberations, took to the stage in an interview with Radio Club Tenerife-Cadena SER. In this radio conversation with journalist Miguel Ángel Daswani, Matos expressed his enthusiasm, readiness, and determination to become the new leader of the Tenerife socialists.
Now, following this public revelation and in the lead-up to the much-anticipated regional congress this weekend—with President Pedro Sánchez present in Adeje—it remains to be seen what immediate political reactions emerge, especially from those attending Matos’s announcement. Crucially, one wonders whether such commitment and initial momentum will blossom into a straightforward path or rather a contentious political journey; in this case, with two candidates emerging for the General Secretariat of the PSOE in Tenerife, potentially leading to a scenario where there is more than one serious contender, even some speculation regarding Matos’s participation. The future remains uncertain.
Regardless, it is evident that the official candidate has yet to be determined, and today Matos may not fit the desired profile. In other words, we await the unveiling of a definitive candidate or potential contenders with a legitimate chance in the primaries. It is too soon to tell.
Undoubtedly, all eyes are on the support from the regional leadership (and from Madrid), under the guidance of Ángel Víctor Torres, both now and in future developments, as the regional congress this weekend in Adeje could also position the minister under similar circumstances. It is unnecessary to reiterate that he will be the sole candidate.
However, following this direct declaration by acclamation, what will transpire in Tenerife, perhaps the most significant island city in the Atlantic? The outcome is impossibly unclear, and time remains (the island congress in Tenerife is slated for next April). The only current certainty is that Gustavo Matos aspires to the position vacated by Pedro Martín, who lacked adequate support to continue as leader, compounded by the prevailing uncertainty about who, within Torres’s close circle and team, may be bold enough to embark on this venture.
There is bound to be interest. Some expressions of intent have already surfaced, yet at present, it all remains speculative, as the viable candidates remain unknown. Mari Brito, the current mayor of Candelaria and president of Fecam, has been mentioned;
Regarding José Antonio Valbuena, the senator elected by the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands and former councillor for Ecological Transition in the Canary Islands, he is not merely a person entwined in misunderstandings with the regional president of the PSOE, but also the long-serving mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga… Alternatively, the focus may be on Patricia Hernández, the regional representative for Tenerife and spokesperson for the socialists in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, or perhaps Marco González, who was ousted from his leadership position due to a motion of censure in Puerto de la Cruz. Nira Fierro should not be overlooked either, although she already has numerous responsibilities; similarly, Aarón Afonso is someone whom some speculate as a potential candidate—one of those favoured by Torres and someone we must monitor closely. Whether one wishes to be part of this scenario is a different matter altogether.
Gustavo Matos has stepped forward; he has taken initiative following Pedro Martín’s retreat. He has enthusiastically broken away from the main pack. However, it appears to be just that: a mere diversion from an indefinite group, a personal test, because inevitably, from that now inconspicuous collective that Matos has left behind, another socialist figure will emerge with greater ambition and a desire for victory inspired by those at elevated standings. Few currently believe that Matos’ attempt will see him cross the finishing line successfully. Others will also enter the fray, and if they do not withdraw from the contest altogether, they will at least strive for triumph in what will ultimately be a classic event called the primaries. Everything remains to unfold, everything to observe, but the starting gun has already been fired. Today marked the initiation of this Matos matter.
Seeking New Leadership and an Enhanced Initiative
The PSOE of Tenerife commenced, this Saturday, the process for the election of the new Island Executive Commission, anticipated to take place in April, as sanctioned by both the Island Committee and the Executive in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
According to Pedro Martín, the current general secretary of the party in Tenerife, the island congress will occur throughout April, with the PSOE entering as the leading force within the island, governing in 19 out of 31 local administrations. Among these, they hold an absolute majority in eight, a relative majority in seven, and participate in coalition governance in four. In an additional four town councils, they find themselves in opposition, despite being the most voted party.
Martín highlighted that the Socialist Party in Tenerife has triumphed in all elections since the last municipal vote, where it gained maximum support in ballots for the Cabildo and the Parliament of the Canary Islands, on the regional list, as well as in the Congress of Deputies and the European Parliament. During the Senate elections, both Pedro Martín, the candidate who garnered the highest votes in the island constituency, and Marta Arocha were elected on open lists.
Following the conclusion of the regional congress, the PSOE will initiate the island congress for Tenerife, aimed not only at appointing new Executive positions but also at revitalising the party’s agenda. On the island, Martín asserted, “is the strongest party in the Canary Islands. One only has to observe the results in the town halls. With this strength, which encompasses both organic and social dimensions, we aim to approach the upcoming congress with a refreshed proposal to maintain our leadership in the political and social direction of our island.”