It is somewhat disheartening that just a day before, Gustavo Matos continued to assert that he was “serious” about his candidacy for the general secretary of the PSOE in Tenerife. Matos, who currently serves as the vice president of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, made this declaration as a ploy to secure a position within the Regional Executive Committee. Thus, his little venture comes to an end. Sooner rather than later, one will witness him backing Tamara Raya, who, following Aarón Afonso’s dismissal, has become the consensus candidate amongst the key figures of the party in Tenerife—Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, Mari Brito, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga—and the hard core of Angel Víctor Torres, which is managed by Nira Fierro. However, there exists a nearly insignificant question regarding the supposed candidacy of José Antonio Valbuena, whose origins are linked to Patricia Hernández. It is quite miserly that Hernández remains solo in these pre-electoral movements. She does not lead the opposition in Santa Cruz, appears to be dormant at the Parliament of the Canary Islands, maintains the local Santa Cruz group in a state of perfect Mortis rigor, and politically survives due to having won the municipal elections of 2023 (where she received just over 1,000 more votes than the 91,000 cast for CC). The PSOE has been facing a long-standing dilemma. Their political culture and unwritten guidelines facilitate the perpetuation of leaders at the helm for five years, and sometimes decades, who exploit their groups to continue spearheading their lists. This method of co-opting the party, this dishonest circularity, aims to ensure continuity in politics even after experiencing political or electoral failures. It is highly probable that a resolution will be sought for the illustrious Senator Valbuena—who is quite familiar with the prime duties in Madrid—to secure a position within the island leadership. Judging by the smiles observed yesterday, it seems this operation has already been sealed.
Torres and his associates have been prompt in their replacements. Mari Brito seems—perhaps mistakenly—to believe that the timing for the Cabildo is either still early or perhaps already too late. Luis Yeray Gutiérrez has devised his own strategy that does not involve the island corporation. Astute and ambitious, the mayor of La Laguna prefers to emulate Fernando Clavijo, the political figure who genuinely serves as his benchmark. Pedro Ramos, who has acted as his Ana Oramas, lends his support. In the 2027 elections, Gutiérrez will aim to double his seats on both the Laguito City Council and the Parliament of the Canary Islands. I hardly think he will face considerable challenges. Once secure in his position, he will scrutinise—like the entire PSOE—the future of Ángel Víctor Torres. Should the former president fail to regain control over the Autonomous Government, an inevitable succession process will commence, and Gutiérrez shall already be positioned at the forefront to contend for power.
I withdraw the written
The crisis of the pension system
I withdraw the written
Arona and Tannhaüser
I withdraw the written
Sweats
No innovation nor continuity: aligning with the environment. Portuense politics not only ensures responsibility and fidelity as the General Secretary of Tenerife Socialism but is also a candidate deemed fit to contest the presidency of the Insular Cabildo come May 2027. It is clear he faces a disadvantage: he is perhaps less recognised by the society of Tenerife than James Joyce would be among the members of the Tenerife Sports Club. Raya has established her credentials in the Congress of Deputies, yet her return to regional politics as a deputy in the Parliament of the Canary Islands has been rather disheartening. The initial expectation was for Mrs. Raya to impress both colleagues and opponents with her congressional acumen. This has not been the case thus far. However, there remains time ahead for a seemingly confused candidate to rise alongside the daily grind. Provided, of course, that circumstances in Spain or the Canary Islands do not change—such as a sudden economic downturn, a new pandemic, natural disasters, or Víctor Aldama. It is important to remember that although Clavijo is in power, Torres is present every Friday—and occasionally on Thursdays.
