The mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, has today taken on the role of 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 aim is to address the tensions in the dispute between the two organisations regarding the enhancement of the area of significant tourist influence (ZGAT) within the capital, which would permit the opening of large retail spaces in the municipality every Sunday and on holidays throughout the year. Fauca and Central Zone oppose this liberalisation, arguing that it would jeopardise traditional commerce.
This tripartite discussion took place following the municipal budget presentation for 2025, which the mayor presented to financial institutions and economic stakeholders at the Real Casino de Santa Cruz. Business owners gathered for a working breakfast during this event. Prior to the presentation, the mayor had stated to the press that he would not discuss the issue of commercial schedule liberalisation at the meeting. However, after the budget was unveiled, Bermúdez engaged with the local business community to share insights and smooth over differences.
Furthermore, the mayor revealed that the Development Society is in the process of organising a new Commerce Board session for May 6. He explained that this board, which represents the city’s commercial landscape alongside various public administrations, serves an advisory purpose aiming to enhance governance within the municipality’s commercial sector through dialogue and consensus.
Both Moujir and Medina noted that “the mayor has acted as a mediator during this brief informal gathering. We are not in contention, but we do differ in our views regarding commercial openings and the vision we hold for Santa Cruz. That is why we will convene at the trade table, and there exists a positive rapport,” they emphasised.
Medina commented that “the approach is somewhat akin to the Poncloa pacts, where the key was never to leave the table without an agreement, and we intend to follow that lead. Our differing viewpoints do not imply a negative relationship between Fauca, the central zone, and Asodiscan, as we have always collaborated. However, we must strive to find common ground on the mayor’s request,” stated the representatives of the merchants.
When asked if a consensus could be reached soon, both indicated that “currently there is none, but there is a willingness to collaborate. In this regard, the mayor has assumed the role of mediator because, while we advocate different stances, our relationship is positive and fosters dialogue,” added Moujir and Medina.
In the meantime, the mayor underscored that “the Commerce Bureau aligns with the 2023-2028 Commerce Master Plan, which highlights public-private collaboration as a vital component to enhance management efficiency and quality within the sector.” He also mentioned that “this body is the appropriate forum to address the future of the city’s commercial landscape, with dialogue and consensus as its primary goals.”
The CEO of the Development Society, Carmen Pérez, who had previously announced the call for the Commerce Table ahead of summer, stated that “through the Commerce Master Plan we have established this platform for dialogue and consensus to tackle all matters affecting our city’s commercial sector,” and reminded that “representatives from all sectors participate, making it the most beneficial tool for addressing the commercial future of our city.”
In this manner, Pérez emphasised that “we are convinced that, via the Commerce Bureau, we will identify the best solutions for Santa Cruz—solutions that invigorate our economy, safeguard our commercial fabric, and ensure the rights of all.” She added that “we are in the process of convening this new session, scheduled for May 6, and we anticipate significant participation from key public and private stakeholders.
The Commerce Table comprises associations of zonal and sectoral traders alongside public sector representatives. Additionally, as per the governance model devised by the Development Society, trade commissions may be established within the table to address specific issues in the commercial sector, allowing for the inclusion of other stakeholders not currently represented, thereby enriching the discussion and proposal development.
