The mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, has acted as a mediator between the president of the Federation of Urban Areas of the Canary Islands (Fauca), Abbas Moujir, and the Secretary General of the Association of Medium and Large Commercial Distribution Companies in the Canary Islands (Asodiscan), Alfredo Medina. The purpose of this meeting was to bridge the differences in the conflicting positions held by both entities regarding the expansion of the area of significant tourist influx (ZGAT) in the capital, which would permit the commercial operation of large establishments within the municipality every Sunday and on holidays throughout the year. Fauca and Central Zone oppose this proposed liberalisation, arguing that it would jeopardise traditional commerce.
The informal meeting took place following the presentation of the municipal budget for 2025, which the mayor presented to financial entities and economic stakeholders at the Real Casino de Santa Cruz, with entrepreneurs gathering for a working breakfast. Although the councilor had previously indicated to the press that he would not address the topic of liberalising commercial hours during this forum, after the budget presentation, Bermúdez engaged with local business owners to exchange views and smooth over tensions.
Additionally, the mayor announced that the Development Society is preparing to convene a new session of the Commerce Board on May 6. He explained that “this body, which represents the city’s commercial landscape alongside various public administrations, serves an advisory function and aims to enhance the governance of the municipality’s commercial sector through dialogue and consensus”.
Moreover, both Moujir and Medina stated that “the mayor has played the role of mediator during this brief informal gathering. We are not in conflict, but we do have differing views on commercial openings and the vision we have for Santa Cruz. This is why we intend to meet at the trade table, and there is a good rapport,” they emphasised.
Medina commented, “the approach is akin to the agreements made during the Poncela discussions, wherein the key was not walking away without reaching an agreement. Although we have different perspectives, that does not imply a strained relationship between Fauca, the Central Zone, and Asodiscan. There has always been collaboration; however, differing viewpoints necessitate our working together to identify common ground, as requested by the mayor,” remarked the representatives of the merchants.
When questioned about the potential for an imminent agreement, both replied, “currently, there is none, but there is a willingness to engage in discussions. In this respect, the mayor has acted as a mediator, as we start from the premise that, while we advocate for varying positions, the relationship remains positive and supports dialogue,” added Moujir and Medina.
In the meantime, the mayor highlighted that “the Commerce Bureau aligns with the 2023-2028 Commerce Master Plan, which prioritises public-private partnerships as a crucial factor in enhancing the sector’s management efficiency and quality.” He further added that “this body is well-positioned to tackle future issues concerning the city’s commercial fabric, where dialogue and consensus are the primary goals.”
On her part, the CEO of the Development Society, Carmen Pérez, who had already hinted at the upcoming Commerce Table meeting before the summer, mentioned that “through the Commerce Master Plan, we have established this space for dialogue and consensus to address all issues affecting our city’s commercial landscape.” She noted that “representatives from all sectors participate in it, making it an invaluable tool for shaping the commercial future of our city.”
Pérez expressed her conviction that “through the Commerce Bureau, we will identify the best solutions for Santa Cruz—solutions that bolster our economy, safeguard our commercial fabric, and ensure the rights of all,” and added that “we are working on the arrangements for this new session, scheduled for May 6, wherein we anticipate significant participation from crucial public and private stakeholders.”
The Commerce Table comprises associations of zonal and sectoral traders together with representatives from the public sector. Additionally, in line with the governance model devised by the Development Society, trade commissions may be formed within the table to address specific issues pertaining to the commercial sector, permitting the involvement of other agents not currently represented, thereby enriching the discussions and the formulation of proposals.
