Granadilla de Abona Faces Housing Crisis
Granadilla de Abona needs 5,500 new homes to meet current and future demand, according to a study by the University of La Laguna commissioned by the local council. The area saw a population increase of around 27% from 2011 to 2021, largely due to migration, which accounts for 80% of this growth. Councillor Rubén García highlighted this rise as a key factor in the ongoing demands for housing.
The same report reveals that rental prices in Granadilla have surged by 70% to 80% since 2020. Many families now spend between 55% and 63% of their income on housing costs. “The diagnosis is clear; no one can deny the reality we’re facing in this community,” said García during a recent council meeting.
This statement came after the local government, comprising Coalición Canaria, Partido Popular, and Vox, rejected a proposal from the PSOE party to promote public housing through the municipal company, Servicios Municipales de Granadilla de Abona, SL (Sermugran). The PSOE was unable to defend their initiative as their councillor, David Santos, had left the meeting shortly before.
Sermugran is tasked with realigning its resources to develop “efficient management models” suitable for Granadilla. García stressed, “We must not confuse a public company with a private housing developer.”
Council Disputes Escalate
Tensions flared during the debate on a proposal for establishing a code of conduct for institutional social media. PP spokesperson Marcos Antonio Rodríguez claimed the PSOE’s motion was “too late” and mentioned ongoing efforts since his party took control after a no-confidence vote. Santos was expelled for disrupting proceedings, leaving the PSOE unable to respond effectively.
The debate highlighted frustrations, with Santos labeling the mayor, José Domingo Regalado, a “third-rate dictator”. The situation worsened when Bianca Cerbán, an unaffiliated councillor, stood with the PSOE in their exit.
PSOE spokesperson Jennifer Miranda condemned the incident, alleging that the government silences opposition, stifles political debate, and uses the council presidency as a tool for imposition rather than impartiality. In a subsequent statement, Santos referred to Regalado as a “banana dictator”.
