Dulce Xerach, a writer and former politician of Coalición Canaria, has passed away at the age of 56. Xerach served as a Member of Parliament in the Canary Islands and held positions as a councillor for the Cabildo de Tenerife and the regional government.
Sources from the Canary Executive informed EFE that the former politician’s death occurred unexpectedly while she was staying in a hotel in Madrid.
Xerach’s career was consistently linked to the cultural sphere. She was a key figure behind the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes and the Espacio El Tanque, both situated in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Additionally, she served as president of the Círculo de Bellas Artes de Tenerife and chaired the Insular Commission for Historical Heritage in Tenerife.
A graduate in Law from the University of La Laguna, she also pursued several master’s degrees in business management and cultural heritage, and obtained a PhD in Architecture from the European University of Madrid.
Xerach was the cultural councillor at the Cabildo de Tenerife, the deputy councillor in the same area within the Government of the Canary Islands, and a parliamentary deputy representing the island of Tenerife in the regional assembly.
Married to the esteemed architect Fernando Menis, she was the sister-in-law of the late former President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Adán Martín, who also served as president of the Cabildo de Tenerife for many years.
Moreover, Dulce Xerach Pérez was an accomplished writer, having published two crime novels featuring the character Inspector María Anchieta: Robo en Sao Paulo and Asesinato en una playa de Londres.
Reactions
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, expressed on his ‘X’ profile that the death of Dulce Xerach “leaves an irreplaceable void, a woman committed to culture and the word” in the Canary archipelago.
“Dulce was not only a colleague; she was also a significant writer and a defender of our islands’ heritage. Her legacy remains in every library, cultural centre, and every corner where our culture thrives,” he emphasised.
He noted that Dulce “believed in the Canary Islands” and “fought for them.” “My sincerest embrace goes to her family, friends, colleagues, and those who admired her work,” he highlighted.
Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, expressed his shock at Dulce Xerach’s passing, describing her as a “defender” of the culture and historical heritage of the Canary Islands, and as a “creator and public manager”.
“All my support and love to family and friends during these very difficult times,” he added.
The Vice President of the Canary Islands, Manuel Domínguez, conveyed his “deep sorrow” regarding Dulce Xerach’s death, noting that she “dedicated a significant part of her life to culture and public service”.
He acknowledged that her “drive was pivotal” in emblematic projects such as the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, “leaving an indelible mark on life.” “Rest in peace. My condolences to her family and friends,” he stated.
