Fauca and the Central Zone Association have strongly condemned the recent remarks made by Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s first deputy mayor, Carlos Tarife, which were conveyed to the Notices diary and demonstrate “a profound lack of understanding regarding the commercial realities in Santa Cruz de Tenerife,” as stated in their official response. They deem it “unacceptable” that a public figure, “instead of acknowledging the value and significance of small businesses,” publicly undermines other stakeholders using disparaging language such as “Numantina.”
The associations view these comments as “an effort to impose a model of the city centred on the interests of large retail operations, facilitated by the unrestricted opening on Sundays and holidays, without considering the repercussions this would have on traditional commerce, workers, and urban life.”
Fauca and Central Zone have outlined the following points:
- We oppose the expansion of the high tourist influx area (ZGTA), as it serves to fully liberalise trading hours to benefit large retail establishments. This initiative does not aim to support small businesses, which already possess the option to open on Sundays if they choose — as per current legislation for establishments under 300 square metres — but rather to disrupt the city’s commercial equilibrium to favour a select few.
- Mr. Tarife has issued public statements and advocated for measures that directly impact the retail sector without, to our knowledge, having received delegated authority on this issue. Even more alarming is his assertion that should he take office as Mayor in 2027, he intends to implement this policy unilaterally, disregarding the opinions of the sector. Such an exclusive and self-serving approach has no place in a city aimed at promoting social cohesion and respect for institutions.
- Fauca and Central Zone have served the Santa Cruz commerce sector for decades. We have played a crucial role in its revitalisation, the recovery of the city centre, the creation of consumer campaigns, collaboration with local administrations, and the staunch defence of the interests of small and medium enterprises. Anyone wishing to discuss commerce in this city must do so with a thorough understanding of and respect for its history and the pivotal role we have within it.
- Claiming that trading on Sundays will transform us into a “great capital” is an empty assertion. Santa Cruz need not emulate failed models from other cities; it must enhance what it already possesses: a close-knit, diverse retail sector committed to environmental sustainability and generating quality employment.
- Thanks to the small and medium-sized enterprises within this city – including commerce and hospitality – Santa Cruz has achieved employability levels comparable to those of 2008. This statistic, far from trivial, showcases the robustness of the local business structure and the pressing need for recognition, a voice, and respect. The sector that underpins a critical segment of the local economy cannot be trivialised.
- We will not allow citizens to be misled by a simplistic narrative that justifies decisions driven by very specific interests. We demand transparency, genuine involvement, and a commercial strategy designed for all, not solely for a select few. Fauca and Central Zone will continue to advocate for a fair, balanced, and sustainable city model, wherein local commerce remains an essential aspect of Santa Cruz’s identity. We are not merely a vestige of the past. We are present and future, and we shall not tolerate being ignored or disrespected.
Fauca and Central Zone will persist in defending “a fair, balanced and sustainable city model,” ensuring that local commerce remains a vital component of Santa Cruz’s identity.
