Santa Cruz de Tenerife is currently engulfed in a heated discussion regarding the Sunday opening of retail outlets. Large businesses claim they are being treated unfairly due to restrictions on Sunday trading, while smaller enterprises warn of the adverse impacts this could have on the sector. The first deputy mayor of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council and Councillor for Public Services, Environmental Sustainability, and Strategic Planning, Carlos Tarife, expresses in an interview with the Interviú Atlantic programme his support for the idea of having shops open every day in Tenerife.
–You have favoured shopping centres, advocating for this extension of trading hours. What is the basis for your stance?
“I am in favour of altering the perception of Sundays in the city, although this discussion ought to be brought to the Commerce table. I believe we need to establish a new area of significant tourist appeal (ZGAT) that encompasses Cabo Llano, where locations of interest such as the Palmetum, maritime park, and the Tenerife auditorium are situated… looking ahead to May 6, which is when we will hold the Numantines meetings, aiming to present proposals for the future of Santa Cruz.”
–Is the case of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria a model to emulate?
“We are advocating for a model similar to that of the capital of Gran Canaria, which opens during the cruise season to convey two key messages: one for tourists, ensuring they leave with a positive impression, and another for local residents, allowing them to benefit from the shops. This is primarily the message we want to promote across Tenerife. However, in Santa Cruz, despite the arrival of cruise ships, only over 35 percent of businesses open their doors. We must carefully analyse the proposal for a New ZGAT and promote consumer vouchers so that businesses in the historic centre can see this as an opportunity for growth.”
–Is this potential Sunday trading a response to a demand from locals or shopping centres?
“The shopping centres, which can defend their position, have a clear stance, as do groups like Ashotel and those in the restaurant industry, who also prefer to open on Sundays. Frankly, I believe this is a necessity for the city. In 2012, when the ZGAT was established, if we wanted to enjoy the waterfront, we needed to visit the Teres or access the sea park. The same is true for projects like the one behind the Palmetum or Viera and Clavijo Park.”
–Is there a cohesive stance within the City Council?
“This matter is not part of the Government Pact. However, there is a willingness to discuss it. José Manuel Bermúdez has suggested adding three Sundays to the ten that currently operate, which are primarily from the end of November to the Reyes campaign. In my opinion, this is inadequate, as it does not represent the transformation needed to enhance the capital’s appeal. I advocate for a New ZGAT in Santa Cruz.”
–Will the opinions of employees working in large outlets be considered in the upcoming Trade table meeting?
“It is crucial to assure employees that regular hours worked on a Sunday will be compensated with time off, and in the case of extraordinary hours, they will be paid at a rate of 300 percent. These rights are enshrined in collective agreements and must be respected.”
–Will any conclusions be reached on May 6?
“A meeting will be held where representatives will present their viewpoints. Ideally, we would first reach a consensus, and then devise a phased plan, as this is not a matter of simply jumping from zero to one hundred, but rather communicating that Santa Cruz is keen to continue evolving without losing opportunities, which I believe is occurring every Sunday in the capital.”
–In the past year, cleaning efforts in various neighbourhoods of the municipality have intensified. Have the goals of maintaining clean public spaces been achieved?
“I am quite critical on this front. Although we have seen a rise of seven points in the satisfaction survey concerning road cleanliness.”
–A year ago, you initiated the so-called ‘chair campaign’ to discourage residents from leaving rubbish bags in the streets. Where does this initiative stand now?
“The ‘chair campaign’ aimed to provoke reflection on our cleaning habits. It faced some criticism, but truthfully, it attracted attention. Each week, we endeavoured to implement improvements to channel specific personal behaviours.”
–How is the progress on the bike lane construction?
“I am optimistic that the bike lane will be completed by the end of June. At present, we are working on the roundabout connecting Avenida 3 de Mayo with the city’s exit tunnel and the areas surrounding Plaza de España. I anticipate that it will become operational in a few months. Regarding opposition from some residents, I want to emphasise that had someone attempted to establish a bike lane 15 years ago, we would have deemed it a foolish idea. Promoting sustainable modes of transport involves ensuring access to scooters and electric bikes.”
–The residents of El Toscal neighbourhood are currently disputing the issue of housing occupation. What role does the City Council play in this matter?
“A supportive one, as we lack jurisdiction in this area. These are very distressing situations where individuals feel their private property is infringed upon, leading to a lengthy judicial process. We experienced some success with one property because there were equity values involved, which expedited the proceedings. The stark reality is that only the state government can address this in Congress through a proposal from the Popular Party to process legislation allowing a law to be enacted within 24 hours.”
–Is housing occupation one of the main challenges facing Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
“Currently, issues such as cleanliness, a shortage of parking spaces—which we are actively addressing—and safety concerns are prominent, but housing occupation is indeed a significant problem that brings about extremely negative repercussions. A legal framework is necessary to provide assurance for landlords looking to rent out their properties, alongside a greater construction of homes in the municipality to alleviate the public housing waiting list.”
–What other major challenges are on the horizon for the capital of Tenerife?
“Primarily in the area of mobility. It is a long-standing aspiration of Santa Cruz to draw nearer to the sea.”
–You have also embraced the enthusiasm for installing the largest Christmas tree in Spain.
“Santa Cruz has always deserved an impressive Christmas celebration that kicks off with the lighting ceremony on the last weekend of November. It is crucial to have elements that elevate our city as the most visited in the nation. It will not incur a significant cost, and I am confident that this tree, situated by the lake of Plaza de España, will serve as a tourist magnet and enhance the Christmas season for local businesses.”
–Isn’t the estimated cost of this attraction something you can disclose?
“We are still in discussions, but it will not be excessive. The lighting scheme we implemented last year at Plaza de la Candelaria was a tremendous success, and this year we must continue improving, setting new challenges annually.”
–Are you considering running as a candidate for the Popular Party in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Mayor’s Office?
“I am part of the team led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Manuel Domínguez. They are my two primary coaches, so I will follow their lead. If you were to ask for my personal opinion, I am content in Santa Cruz and aspire to be the mayor of this city. However, I am a person of my party, obedient and disciplined. I will go where they instruct me.”
