This week, the current term of the Board of Directors of Casino de Tenerife experienced yet another striking episode ahead of the elections to lead the organisation at the year’s end.
This incident took place during the General Assembly of Partners on January 30, where the present management presented the Annual Report and aimed to Approve the accounts for 2025.
This proved to be a challenging task due to the hostility shown by the opposition since the onset of their term. The situation escalated further when its president, Miguel Cabrera Pérez-Camacho, was charged in November 2023 in a case concerning allegations of sexual assault against a former student of the University of La Laguna.
Miguel Cabrera Pérez Camacho arriving at the Courts of La Laguna / Archive / María Pisaca
80 out of 2,000
A fraction of around 80 voting members from nearly 2,000 within the organisation gathered, split between supporters and opponents, with the latter having a slight edge.
Annual Report and the Budgets for the second consecutive year, leading to an extension of the 2023 budgets.
Before the vote on the accounts, the final item on the agenda, Miguel Cabrera stood up and left the room in silence.
No word from the president
While the head of the institution could have provided clarity, responses came through mobile devices. Pérez-Camacho was situated at a well-known eatery in the heart of Santa Cruz, holding a Gin and Tonic, reminiscent of Mariano Rajoy during Pedro Sánchez‘s motion of no confidence.
Upon realising the president’s whereabouts, the remaining Board members attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to downplay the issue before concluding the assembly session with all proposals rejected.
As a result, it was resolved to waive the entrance fee of €1,000 for applicants under 45, adjusting it to €7,729.
Call to elections
On Thursday, one week post-assembly, the president of Casino issued a statement to the partners detailing the events. He considers it absurd that this decision has been established, believing it will deter “the vast majority of young people” aspiring to join the organisation.
He used the letter to announce the election call set for October 14, after which a New governing team will be formed, as the statutes stipulate that The Presidency cannot be renewed after two terms.
Explanation of the sudden departure
The statement concludes with what one might find rather surreal, as Pérez-Camacho elaborates on his abrupt exit from the assembly that he was meant to oversee.
He mentioned that he departed the casino “on medical advice“, as his doctor has prohibited him from engaging in “Stressful discussions and the harmful and perilous situations affecting my heart.”
Thus, he clarifies, “I stepped outside to enjoy the fresh air and have a Gin and Tonic that I found delightful.”
The letter concludes with a request for understanding regarding this decision that, medically speaking, is not particularly advantageous for one’s health.
