Controversy has surrounded the construction of a luxurious hotel near La Tejita beach, one of the last unspoilt beaches on the island of Tenerife with protected dune landscapes. The City Council of Granadilla first announced plans to grant construction rights on Christmas Day 2015. At that time, the mayor, Jaime González Cejas of the PSOE, was later prosecuted for various corruption-related crimes.
Since then, environmental and civic groups have continued their protests over the urbanization of this pristine area. Along with the Cuna del Alma project, these protests have become symbols of resistance against a development model that threatens the natural beauty of the archipelago, culminating in the massive 20A mobilizations across the Canary Islands.
Protests have ranged from informational assemblies near construction sites to direct actions such as disrupting excavator operations and occupying construction cranes for extended periods. These actions, including a recent hunger strike, have garnered significant attention and opposition to the project.
Not only do the works threaten to urbanize this natural area, but they have also been marred by numerous irregularities, resulting in multiple stop-work orders, the most recent in 2021. Despite the General Directorate of Coasts informing the developer, Galician Viqueira Group, that they lack the necessary permits to work on a section of the plot incorporated into public domain land in 2021, construction continues.
The previous Canary Islands Government, responding to public backlash (including a significant demonstration in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 2022), negotiated a potential purchase of the plot for around 25 million Euros. Funding for this was earmarked in documentation from the Department of Ecological Transition.
However, with the change in regional government, the new councillor, Mariano Hernández Zapata (PP), denies the existence of this document. Furthermore, the Executive President, Fernando Clavijo, has distanced himself from the issue, stating that it is the responsibility of the Granadilla and Adeje city councils (both PSOE-led) to halt the projects as they granted the licenses. However, it was the regional government, not the city councils, that halted both projects in the previous term due to irregularities and violations.
The Granadilla mayor requested a meeting with the State, Canary Islands Government, and Tenerife Cabildo on April 22 to seek “a viable solution” ensuring the protection of La Tejita beach. Meanwhile, Clavijo has opted to distance himself from the issue, leaving the resolution in the hands of local authorities.
**Challenges discussed with Mayors of Adeje and Granadilla**
The announcement was made to gather the mayors of Adeje and Granadilla for discussions on current challenges to extend support towards them. The government stated its limitations in handling certain matters.
**New Phase for La Tejita and Cuna del Alma Projects**
The projects of La Tejita and Cuna del Alma hotels have entered a different phase involving the transfer of responsibilities between administrations, leading to personal disqualifications.
**Mayoral Meeting Update**
The scheduled meeting by Clavijo set for Friday, May 3, faced a setback as Jennifer Miranda, the socialist mayor of Granadilla, revealed her decision not to attend. The refusal was based on certain statements made by Clavijo and other regional Executive members regarding the plot acquisition issue related to the La Tejita hotel.
**Update from Miranda**
Miranda elaborated on her recent meeting with the Viqueira Group, confirming their willingness to sell the plot. She highlighted the necessity for the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo to provide essential reports before the Granadilla City Council can review the license procedures.
**Immediate Reaction**
The absence of the Granadilla Mayor at the meeting prompted reactions from CC members. Clavijo emphasised the importance of the technical reports for a thorough discussion on the matter, implying a different agenda due to the absence.
**Counter Reactions**
Rosa Dávila, the president of Tenerife Cabildo, criticised Miranda’s response as that of a “spoiled girl”. She stressed the City Council’s accountability in reversing the license and requesting necessary reports for land acquisition.
**Resolving Responsibility**
Both Clavijo and Dávila reiterated that the Granadilla City Council holds the primary responsibility as they granted the licenses for the La Tejita hotel project. Highlighting the key dates of license approvals and involvement of Domingo Regalado from CC.
**“Arrogance and conceit”**
Pedro Martín of PSOE Tenerife defended Miranda against the accusations made by Clavijo and Dávila. He criticised the lack of institutional respect towards Miranda, indicating arrogance and conceit on their part.
**Social Media Support**
Socialist deputy Patricia Hernández also came in support of Miranda on social media, condemning the disrespectful remarks and lack of valid arguments.
**Purchase File Confirmation**
Despite denials, there was confirmation of a purchase file related to the plot where the La Tejita hotel stands. The previous Executive initiated the purchase process with an agreement reached with the developer, despite current contradictory statements.
