The Popular Party at the La Laguna City Council abstained on Thursday during the Plenary session regarding the honour of naming Jerónimo Saavedra as the adoptive son of the city. They argued that there are “dozens and dozens of individuals” who they believe deserve this recognition before him. As a case in point, the spokesperson for the PP in the council, Juan Antonio Molina, cited four individuals: Arturo Escuder Croft, Antonio Alarcó, Rafael Becerra, and Santiago Pérez, all of whom are native to La Laguna and thus could be considered for the distinction of favoured children.
Ultimately, Jerónimo Saavedra will indeed be recognised as the adoptive son of La Laguna, following the supportive votes from all political groups present in the council (PSOE, Canarian Coalition, United Podemos, and Vox), alongside the abstentions from the Popular Party and Drago Green Canarias, which is led by Alberto Rodríguez.
The only individual who sought to clarify his vote was the PP spokesperson: “Mr. Mayor, I would like to make a very brief explanation regarding my vote.” Once given the opportunity to speak, Juan Antonio Molina launched into his recital of La Laguna natives: “Arturo Escuder Croft, Antonio Alarcó, Rafael Becerra, Santiago Pérez…” before elaborating on the “dozens and dozens of people” who should be considered worthy of this honour prior to Jerónimo Saavedra, who was actually born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Consequently, Saavedra is conferred the title of adoptive son rather than that of favoured son, which would have been more appropriate for the individuals highlighted by the PP spokesperson.
The mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, from the PSOE, responded to Molina by dismissing his remarks and underlining the merits of Jerónimo Saavedra, who held the position of president of the Canary Islands Government, served as minister of Spain on two occasions, represented the Canary Islands in the Spanish Parliament, and was mayor of his birthplace, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Additionally, he is a National Deputy and a Professor of Labour Law.
Juan Antonio Molina currently serves as the PP spokesperson in La Laguna following the resignation of his predecessor, Ana Zurita. He previously stood for the Citizens party during the 2019 elections. Holding a law degree, he is also a member of the brotherhood of the Holy Christ of the Lagoon, as well as the Brotherhood of San Lázaro and the brotherhood of the Blood of Christ and the Holy Cross in La Laguna.
