ANDL PSOE is strengthening its organisational structure on the island to reclaim – or fortify, if they have not already lost it as their leaders assert – hegemony inTenerife. This follows the 18th Congress, with part of the previous management team, under Pedro Martín, occupying crucial roles within the organisational framework, along with a strategy to empower the new General Secretary, Tamara Raya, through a core group of trusted associates.
Among these is Aaron Afonso, who was discussed as a consensus candidate, along with Manuel Martínez, who served as Organisation Secretary until yesterday. Additionally, the notable figure of José Antonio Valbuena returns to the forefront organic line taking on responsibilities regarding the demographic challenge and ecological transition. This was resolved by the party members, who also appointed the chicharrera Patricia Hernández as president and Óscar Olave, head of the mayor’s office in the Lagoon, who succeeds Martínez in the internal structuring of the party.
Election
A complete one hundred percent of the delegates, amounting to 91, voted in favour of the new executive committee, which received an endorsement of 83.5% of the cast votes. In a united list of 40 individuals, the top ten positions included Hernández, Raya, and Olave, with Aarón Afonso acting as the deputy general secretary and spokesperson; the former mayor of Granadilla de Abona, Jennifer Miranda, focusing on municipal policies; Manuel Martínez on Electoral Strategy; Carmen Nieves Rodríguez Fraga linked to the organisation; Deputy Alicia Álvarez responsible for economic policies, and the mayor of Tegueste, Ana Rosa Mena, supervising public services. Despite some minor leaks of interest, the forum defined a transfer of power with minimal disruption, indicating a tendency towards continuity and a balance in territorial representation among the metropolitan area, the north, and the south.
Environment
The atmosphere evolves throughout the day, directly influenced by the turnout of party members and socialist representatives within the halls of the Hotel de San Miguel de Abona – which has limited coverage – selected for the occasion. Isa Robayna has designed an eye-catching poster under the slogan “Tenerife with + strength,” which dominates the room, featuring a large photograph of the road in the foreground and Teide in the background.
The day
Discussion
The discussions revolve around the preceding vote and conclude with three thematic panels focused on housing, health, and employment; infrastructure, mobility, climate change, and island projects; as well as tourism, the primary sector, territory, landscape management, and water. All of this is framed within a gender perspective. The Minister of Territorial Policy and Public Administration of Spain, Ángel Víctor Torres, along with Esther Peña, spokesperson for the Federal Executive Commission and a personal friend, expressed their support for Raya yesterday.
The Federal
Peña emphasised that the validation vote for the decree law concerning the compulsory distribution of migrant minors will take place next Thursday, showcasing the “security” that socialism offers to the Canary Islands while presenting an “opportunity” to assess “where they stand” in contrast to the “irresponsibility” of the PP. Peña also took the chance to advocate for “the leadership” of Raya, highlighting her “new ideas” alongside “the enduring values of equality, freedom, and social justice.”
Principles
Tamara Raya reiterates those principles as the primary driving forces of the party on the island. Alongside the feminine perspective she promotes as the first woman in the role of General Secretary of the PSOE. Raya urges socialists to “reconnect with the streets” ahead of the 2027 elections. She elaborated on the “significant and profound discussions” on the horizon. She underscored that “we are beginning a new chapter with eagerness and enthusiasm, without losing sight of major challenges in mobility, housing, and the socio-health sector.” She refers to the organisation, to “the colleagues,” and warns: “The threat is real and present, the far-right that seeks to strip rights from women and the working class, which we represent.” She concludes: “We face a complex and monumental task, yet it is achievable with this team of men and women. Not only does the Socialist Party need us, but Canarian society, as the essence of democracy is at stake.
Minister
Ángel Víctor Torres, the Canary Minister, who is also the General Secretary of the PSOE in the archipelago, highlighted that Tamara Raya possesses “the necessary ambition” to lead the party and stated that “if she desires it, she will become the next president of the Cabildo de Tenerife.” Furthermore, he praised her diligence, commitment, and “true advocacy” for “a key island” for the PSOE. He acknowledged the contributions of Pedro Martín, who provided “calm and stability” to the party, being a “magnificent” president of the council. Torres reflected on the previous insular general secretary in his speech following an emotional video segment featuring both well-known and anonymous socialist members. He then compared nearly two years of the Government of Spain against that of the Canary Islands, which he deemed lacking in education, health, care, or migration. He made it clear that “we have no common ground with the far-right” and criticised CC and PP for their alliance with Vox. He wished “all the best to the new team that will stand alongside Tamara, with the aim of winning the elections in Tenerife.”
