And Pandora’s box has been opened. A deep sense of uncertainty is permeating the towns in southern Tenerife, following the recent motion of censure in Puerto de la Cruz. Warnings have been raised across various municipalities, with sources from numerous political parties consulted by this publication acknowledging that similar actions could transpire. What appeared distant just weeks ago now looks like a more immediate possibility within the local political arena.
The departure of the PSOE from the mayor’s office in Puerto de la Cruz, following an alliance between the PP, CC, and the leftist party ACP, has shattered the prevailing atmosphere of municipal political stability. This development has raised alarms for several southern municipal administrations, which are now apprehensive of aftershocks that could potentially alter the regional political landscape after more than a year in governance. Although nothing is confirmed, there is a mounting unease regarding potential new motions of censure in pivotal locations such as Granadilla de Abona, Arico, and even Güímar.
Arico and Granadilla, in the spotlight
Arico is emerging as one of the municipalities where this political unease is felt most acutely. The current mayor, Olivia Delgado, has already confronted two votes of no confidence during her political tenure. Now, as reported by sources from the PP and CC, the likelihood of a new agreement that would unseat her has grown. Discreet discussions between the conservative and nationalist parties are presently underway.
Conversely, in Granadilla de Abona, where the PSOE and PP are in power, a noticeable atmosphere prevails, distinct from the previous weeks. Despite the seemingly good rapport and positive interactions between the two parties, some sources claim that both camps remain vigilant for potential movements that could jeopardise the current agreement.
The economic and symbolic significance of Granadilla means that any political alteration would have repercussions across the region, making it one of the most sought-after pieces on the political chessboard of the south.
Güímar: a firm agreement
Güímar is another municipality that may be impacted by the political tensions on the island, although its circumstances appear, at this point, more stable compared to other southern areas of Tenerife. Gustavo Pérez from Coalición Canaria (CC) continues to serve as mayor of the municipality, benefiting from the support of PSOE and Unidas Sí Podemos (USP), which collectively hold 11 councillors (five from CC, five from PSOE, and one from USP) in a plenary of 21 members.
This agreement, termed the “Tagoror Pact,” was formalised in a symbolic event that establishes a power-sharing framework with Airam Puerta from the PSOE holding the first Deputy Mayorship and Nayra Caraballero from USP in the second seat.
The opposition is spearheaded by Carmen Luisa Castro from the Popular Party, who won the elections with nine councillors but was excluded from the government due to the establishment of the pact. After the agreement’s signing, Castro severely criticised it, asserting that the plenary “did not honour the electoral results”. Under Pérez’s governance, Güímar seems to maintain a degree of political stability, at least for the time being. However, the broader political context of the island and the reported volatility could indirectly influence its future.
Guía de Isora, off the radar
Guía de Isora is another municipality that could face repercussions from the political instability prevailing on the island, although, at present, it seems to be beyond the central focus. The mayor, Ana Dorta (CC), lost her majority in June when a councillor from her party defected to the non-affiliated group, undermining the coalition between PP and CC that governed the area.
Despite speculation surrounding potential alliances between the PSOE (who currently hold 10 councillors and would require two more to solidify their majority) and dissenters from both parties throughout the term, no substantial movements have been made to suggest an imminent shift. Nevertheless, a lingering sentiment exists that the situation may develop.
The tensions, exacerbated by the vote of no confidence in Puerto de la Cruz, have fostered a climate of instability that could lead to unexpected turns in the coming months… or even weeks. Although many negotiations remain at a preliminary stage, the political atmosphere on the island conveys a general sense of alert.
The parties appear to be meticulously considering their actions, recognising that any move could initiate a domino effect in other municipalities. The chance that the Partido Popular and Coalición Canaria could potentially reclaim mayoralties from the PSOE in several crucial areas of southern Tenerife could signify a substantial shift in the balance of power at the island level.
