The XVIII Insular Congress of the PSOE in Tenerife successfully ratified the new insular executive committee proposed by the Insular General Secretary, Tamara Raya, with 83.5% of the votes on Saturday.
All 100% of the delegates, totalling 91, cast their votes and selected 40 positions within the party on the island. Notably, Patricia Hernández has been appointed as President, while Aaron Afonso takes on the role of Deputy Secretary General.
The responsibilities for municipal politics will be overseen by Jennifer Barrera, with José Antonio Valbuena tackling demographic challenges, Manuel Martínez managing electoral strategy, and Alicia Álvarez focusing on economic policy.
In her closing remarks at the Congress, Tamara Raya acknowledged the daunting task ahead, which will require both determination and bravery, believing that “it will not be impossible,” she remarked.
She also expressed gratitude to the previous Secretary General of the PSOE in Tenerife, Pedro Martín, who achieved remarkable results for the party in the most recent elections.
As highlighted, the PSOE in Tenerife stands as the party with the most significant representation on the island, having secured victories in 19 out of 31 municipalities during the 2023 elections and either governing or being a part of the administrations in 16 municipalities.
It was also the most voted party in the elections for the Cabildo, the Parliament of the Canary Islands, the Congress, the Senate, and the European Parliament, she pointed out.
The PSOE leader in Tenerife advocated for tackling the primary challenges faced by the island, which include securing access to decent and affordable housing, addressing serious mobility issues, defining the tourism model, managing land effectively, and enhancing public health and equality policies, among other island-related concerns.
In her speech, she urged PSOE members to step outside, recollect their core values, and revive the proposals that “some have stashed away.”
Her ultimate aim, she revealed, is to build a “stronger Tenerife and a better Canary Islands” with renewed energy and determination.
The Congress saw participation from Ángel Víctor Torres, the Secretary General of the PSOE in the Canary Islands, and Esther Peña, the spokesperson for the Federal Executive Commission, along with various public and organisational representatives from across the island.
Ángel Víctor Torres emphasised that Raya possesses “the necessary ambition” to lead the party on the island and indicated that she could potentially become the next president of the Cabildo de Tenerife if she chooses to do so.
Additionally, he underscored her diligence, commitment, and “genuine defence” of Tenerife, identifying it as “a crucial island” for the PSOE.
Furthermore, the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory acknowledged the contributions of Pedro Martín, who instilled “calm and stability” within the party in Tenerife, and who proved to be “a magnificent” president of the Cabildo.
