The reshaping of the local administration in Arona by the Canarian coalition, PP and Vox continues to provoke political responses following the dismissal of four additional councillors for Arona during yesterday’s ordinary plenary session. In reaction, the PSOE, Más por Arona, and Nueva Canarias, the remaining parties, have voiced their opposition to the emerging situation in the southern municipality. Amidst this backdrop, the recent comments made by Ángel Víctor Torres, the Secretary General of the PSOE in the Canary Islands, have become particularly significant as he outlines the party’s strategy regarding the circumstances in Arona and offers pointed criticism of the PP’s alliance with Vox.
Torres emphasised the necessity of achieving “a sufficient majority” and confirmed that the PSOE is already working towards this aim. Furthermore, he accused the PP mayor, Fatima Lemes, of being responsible for “facilitating the entry of Vox into the institutions”, indicating that the far-right group “cloaks itself in democratic attire but evokes the darkest period in the history of Spain.”
In this regard, Jose Julián Mena, the opposition leader, expressed his views on the potential for a motion of no confidence, highlighting that Torres’s statements “fulfil the responsibility that belongs to him.” He underscored that the PSOE is a governing party with a “distinct project, clearly set apart from that represented by the present coalition of PP, CC, and Vox.” He also affirmed that, if the opportunity arises, they would aim to establish an alternative majority in the local elections.
Meanwhile, Nauzet Fariña, a councillor with Nueva Canarias and a sought-after member of the municipal political landscape, ended his silence after more than 15 days. In comments made to a newspaper, he stated that he will not participate in the current municipal government and expressed his intention to seek “consensus and dialogue”, noting that his decision “is backed by his party.” Fariña highlighted that during the past 15 days, he did not engage in discussions with the PP or CC, although he assured that his relationships with all parties remain “positive.”
Examine the dismissed areas
During the plenary session, PP councillor Luis Sierra responded to questions from the PSOE regarding the management of the recently dismissed councillors. Concerning the Urban Planning sector, he confirmed that over Luis García’s 18 months in charge, a total of 18 significant work permits were issued. As for housing, he pointed out that no rehabilitation assistance had been approved or disbursed during that timeframe, as they are “still in the subsidy process.”
Regarding the Tourism Board, Sierra admitted he was unaware of the total value of the invoices paid with warnings but assured that once all documentation is gathered and the new councillor is reinstated, the requested information will be provided. In response to a query from Councillor for MXA Juan Sebastián Roque about the meetings held at the Fitur Fair, he detailed that discussions took place with the MTC, promoters, and industry companies, including W2M, as well as hotels like Meliá and the Tourism councillor of Tenerife.
Additionally, former Urban Planning Department head Luis García urged the mayor to clarify all procedures undertaken during his administration. The mayor recently cautioned that “murky issues” could emerge from the areas previously overseen by the MAS for Arona councillors.
In this light, Luis García maintained that the assessment should not be confined solely to the areas controlled by Arona but should “also encompass the responsibilities executed by the Popular Party.” Ultimately, he underscored the necessity of restoring institutional normality.
