The administration in Puerto de la Cruz, the economic powerhouse of northern Tenerife, remains a focal point of contention. Controversies such as the advisory against swimming in Garden Play continue to surface, but there is also potential for change. Following the censure of Marco González (PSOE) in August 2024, there may now be a shift that, while unlikely to influence immediate outcomes, could pave the way for future developments. Councillor C de Niego Moreno is contemplating resigning for personal reasons tied to his business affairs, and if this resignation materialises, it will necessitate a reorganisation of government departments, as reported by various sources consulted by Canary Islands now on Thursday.
The mayor, who oversees the departments of Commerce, Industry, Crafts, and the Primary Sector, has confirmed to this publication that he has been contemplating his departure from the City Council for some time. He attributes this solely to occupational and personal issues related to his business, which has resulted in him delegating responsibilities, yet the situation compels him to consider stepping back.
Moreno indicates that he will make a final decision next week. While he does not conceal the likelihood of his resignation, he stresses that nothing is definitive yet and that a variety of circumstances could still unfold. He firmly denies any reports suggesting that his departure is already a done deal. Furthermore, in response to rumours from some quarters, he rebuts claims that he has dismissed municipal employees via email and maintains that all will be clarified next week.
Although he confines this period of contemplation to business-related matters, there are long-held views that suggest he has been dissatisfied with the number of staff within his departments and that the outcomes of his administration do not align with his expectations. This situation correlates with how CC negotiated with the PP and the ACP, as there is a general perception that, in aiming to unseat Marco González from the Mayor’s Office (who fell short of an absolute majority by 11 votes), there were plans for a governmental shift toward areas of greater political significance and visibility to the public.
The councillor insists he has not yet made a definitive choice, but multiple sources have informed this newspaper that the Insular Secretary of CC, regional deputy, and mayor of La Orotava, Francisco Linares, acknowledged Diego Moreno’s resignation during a party meeting on the island this Wednesday. He is poised to be succeeded by Elsie Tavío, who was positioned fourth on the nationalist ticket in Puerto de la Cruz in 2023. CC secured two seats, although Sandra Rodríguez stepped down following a judicial investigation from which she was acquitted. A restructuring has granted her the general direction of children’s services, thereby making Tavío the leading candidate to enter the City Council should Moreno or CC spokesperson Alonso Acevedo vacate their roles.
Additionally, should this transition be confirmed, other sources suggest that a restructuring of local departments would be vital. However, this must be discussed with the mayor’s PP, Leopoldo Afonso, and the ACP’s David Hernández. They further indicate that Moreno has not yet formally resigned possibly due to pressure from the party or the coalition, as undesirable options could emerge for the current local government, albeit they may be favoured over other alternatives.
Regardless of the outcome, CC is keen to initiate a new chapter in Puerto de la Cruz, a critical city that has seen it occupy the mayoralty at various points, particularly with Marcos Brito (and Sandra Rodríguez following Brito’s passing in 2014). However, the party has experienced a notable electoral decline since the 2015 elections when it fell to fourth place. In fact, Brito’s peak was during the 2011 elections with 10 seats, which starkly contrasts with the two achieved by nationalists in both 2019 and 2023, largely influenced by internal divisions. The succession of Sandra Rodríguez as local leader is viewed by various party figures and sectors as crucial to rejuvenating representation in this significant municipality in Tenerife.
