To maintain the government pact in Puerto de la Cruz throughout the mandate, the Portuense Citizen Assembly (ACP) demands the fulfilment of agreements from its government partner, the Socialist Party (PSOE), which won the last municipal elections with ten councilors but fell short of an absolute majority.
Rumours of disagreements between the two parties have surfaced since the beginning of the mandate, causing a significant rift in their previous harmonious relationship. The lack of dialogue and negotiation has led each group to act independently, deviating from their initial goals.
The most evident clash between the two parties came during a plenary session in April. On that occasion, the two ACP councilors abstained from voting on an extrajudicial credit recognition in the Festival area, managed by the PSOE. This credit amounted to nearly one million Euros, with an unfavourable Intervention report prompting warnings from the PP about involving the Prosecutor’s Office.
Despite public criticism from their partners, the ACP maintains their decision-making autonomy as independent entities, deeming the PSOE’s reaction to be “inappropriate.” They state that differences in voting direction are natural in a democratic system and not uncommon in coalition governments.
Expressing concern over the current state of the government pact, the ACP stresses the importance of transparency and keeping citizens informed about the situation.
The ACP believes it is imperative that Mayor Marco González and his political group uphold the minimum conditions necessary for the pact to continue throughout the mandate. Compliance with agreements in the budgetary area is a significant factor for the ACP.
In February, the ACP supported the 2024 budget, despite its restrictions on areas managed by the ACP. The PSOE committed to compensating for these limitations by allocating new credit from the highest priority remainder. However, this commitment has yet to be fulfilled, jeopardising planned projects for this year and hindering actions scheduled for 2025.
The ACP highlights that the areas managed by their councilors have a minimal proportion of the City Council’s budget this year, despite encompassing crucial competencies related to urban planning.
Caution
Initiatives such as the renovation of Plaza de La Vera, works at Jacaranda Infant School, roofing of CEIP Tomás de Iriarte’s patio, and street paving are at risk. Additionally, employment plans, sports events, and other vital actions may be impacted, potentially harming citizens.
The assembly asserts that despite difficulties, efforts have been made to address internal government differences through dialogue. They reaffirm their commitment to upholding government agreements for the remainder of their mandate and hope the socialists will do the same to progress with the agreed-upon government program.
“Breaking the agreement or termination is not currently under consideration”
Mayor Marco González has never contemplated breaking the pact or termination. However, he acknowledges the challenges of governing as a minority. González mentions the PSOE’s generosity towards the ACP in the pact by providing two councilors and two trusted individuals. He believes that a new agreement must be reached through discussions between the political formations to move past the current deadlock.
