The political turmoil in a significant municipality of Tenerife has surpassed the bounds of rivalry. This incident took place in Puerto de la Cruz, where in August of the previous year, a shift in the municipal government occurred: the PP joined forces with DC and the Portuense Citizen Assembly (ACP) to execute a motion of censure against the PSOE, resulting in a transition of mayors from Marco González (PSOE) to LEOPOLDO AFONSO (PP).
As reported by the PSOE of Puerto de la Cruz on Thursday through an official announcement, The Secretary of Organisation of the Party, Zebenzuí González, claimed he endured “serious” insults and threats from David Hernández of the ACP. This incident reportedly occurred during an unexpected encounter between González and Hernández on the street, in front of González’s wife and several other individuals on San Felipe Street, adjacent to the Plaza del Charco in the heart of the tourist municipality.
Zebenzuí González, who occupies a notable position within the Portuenses Socialists but is not a councillor, stated that David Hernández referred to him as “son of a bitch and stalker” and threatened him with statements suggesting he was coming for him.
Out of Character
According to the official statement from the PSOE Portuense, the events, which occurred “in broad daylight and with David Hernández acting out of character“, have led to a formal report for threats and harassment filed at the National Police station situated in the tourist city.
David Hernández, first deputy mayor of Puerto de la Cruz and Councillor for the Portuense Citizen Assembly. / Andrés Gutiérrez
The PSOE of Puerto de la Cruz expressed through the community “its unwavering support for the Secretary of Organisation, Zebenzuí González, while also voicing their condemnation of the verbal assault and threats directed at González last Monday in the street by Councillor David Hernández, which included severe insults and threats shouted in front of multiple witnesses, including González’s wife.”
Rejection and Condemnation
Socialists further wish to convey “their rejection and condemnation of such behaviours being used as a political tool.” The PSOE of Puerto de la Cruz appreciates the intervention of the two witnesses who assisted the Secretary of Organisation and his wife in de-escalating the verbal aggression, preventing it from escalating into physical altercations by seeking refuge in a nearby commercial establishment.
The PSOE reaffirms its commitment to combat “any form of violence or threats, whether physical or verbal, against anyone irrespective of their political affiliation, in order to uphold Article 16 of the Constitution. Thus, they share with their members and supporters the rejection of any type of physical or verbal provocation that this councillor may produce in the future. Should the matter be brought before the Court of Instruction, it may result in a ruling for a minor offence or, depending on the repercussions on González and his wife’s well-being, initiate prior investigative proceedings against the aforementioned councillor.”
Zebenzuí González (Centre), Secretary of Organisation of the PSOE of Puerto de la Cruz. / The day
Disheartened and Astonished
Sources close to Zebenzuí González report that the Secretary of Organisation of the PSOE Portuense is deeply distressed and astounded by David Hernández’s response, which he cannot comprehend. It is noteworthy that David Hernández and fellow councillor Alberto Cobo, who were part of the Portuense Citizen Assembly after the local elections in May 2023, shifted alliances from being PSOE partners in the Portuense government from June 2023 to August 2024, breaking away from the socialists and subsequently forming an alliance with the PP and CC, thus making up the current municipal governing body.
The Portuense Citizen Assembly is regarded as a progressive party. On their official website, ACP describes itself as “a political and social initiative grounded in citizen engagement, transparency, and planning, aspiring to foster a more liveable, equitable, and sustainable community.” “We comprise a democratic, open, and diverse collective of individuals committed to the port of La Cruz, enthusiastic about the prospect of introducing new political practices within the municipality,” it states.
