As always, censures are reliant on the councillors (their positions cannot be transferred), and there can never be one if there are insufficient councillors, regardless of how much pressure the relevant parties exert from above.
Assuming the accord between CC and Vox to alter the existing administration of Granadilla, as there was already one in 2023 to prevent the ongoing pact between the PSOE and PP (refer to the attached document regarding area distribution), the sole chance of overturning this crucial municipality in the south of Tenerife hinges on at least one of the two representatives from the popular party, Marcos Antonio Rodríguez and Bianca Cerbán, supporting the initiative.
The senior levels of his party and CC are actively trying, and as Rodríguez himself points out to this newspaper, “I am confident they will persist in their efforts,” but “as of now, they have not reached out to us.” He further highlights that the local government “is functioning exceptionally well, and we are not contemplating any shifts, but I am uncertain about what may occur tomorrow, and even more so in politics, which is always in flux.”
The conservative spokesperson, along with the other PP councillor, have been suspended from membership precisely because, contrary to the directives of their party (which compelled them to install Domingo Regalado from CC as mayor, along with the two VOX councillors) in June 2023, they chose to forge an agreement with the socialists that resulted in Jennifer Miranda becoming mayor, a decision that startled many, yet did not astonish others who were aware of the complexities or obstacles these councillors faced in renegotiating an agreement with Regalado’s nationalists.
In statements to DIARIO DE AVISOS, the second deputy mayor reaffirms that “in politics, one can never predict what may occur tomorrow,” but at present, “we are not contemplating this, nor have I been approached by the party regarding it.” He adds that the unpredictability of politics is intertwined with life itself, “because, for instance, in 2010 I experienced the onset of a stroke, and you can never know what might transpire,” he insists.
In his view, “perhaps the speculation surrounding a potential censure arises from our recent visit to Manuel Domínguez (regional president of the PP) at the Government’s vice-presidency, where we even took and shared a photo while still under suspension; however, I want to affirm that I will always represent the PP and cast my vote for my party. Another matter entirely is the functioning of the government here with the PSOE, and I must say that we are performing well. There is a significant distinction in management when compared to CC, and in this first year, we have tendered practically all primary projects, besides the fact that we cannot form pacts with defectors,” referring to the former popular councillors Marco and Yanira González, who later joined CC.
“I am known as the perreta councillor, yet I assure you there is nothing formalised for a censure, and both Bianca and I are quite content with the current agreement. I cannot predict what will happen tomorrow, but I believe that keeping one’s word is paramount, especially in politics. In reality, we are both in a state of uncertainty regarding our position within the PP and remain oblivious to its future. We shall see, but for us to find ourselves in such a situation, something rather extraordinary would need to occur. Of course, it is not equivalent to being a delegate councillor, as was the case in the previous term (he entered politics in 2018); however, I am afforded much more freedom to work than before, relations are excellent, and my primary objective is to deliver on the entire local programme of the PP: that remains my foremost aspiration, to see all our projects come to fruition.”
This councillor is taken aback by the commotion surrounding the discussions of “attempts,” “polls,” and “movements” within the PP and CC from higher echelons to dismantle governments such as those in Granadilla, Arico, and with lesser prospects (although the PP strives to connect all), Güímar. “Previously, it took me three quarters of an hour to do the shopping because I spoke with numerous locals, but now it takes three hours,” he elaborates.
“CC AIMS TO ABSORB VOX”
Moreover, he firmly believes that “CC and Vox have already established an alternative government in 2023” in Granadilla, therefore he presumes they have reached an understanding for a censure if they accumulate sufficient votes (which ultimately relies on at least one of the two PP representatives). “I am convinced that CC’s only route to expansion here is to assimilate the right-wing parties and their electorate. They previously attempted this with the PP, involving Marco and Yanira, but they were unsuccessful. Now, they are trying it with Vox, whose councillors, during plenary sessions and on a daily basis, almost resemble CC councillors, as occurred in Teguise” (where its solitary representative, Ginés González, facilitated a government with CC and PP along with him holding powers, ultimately migrating to the non-attached parties and continuing to administer).
