The municipality of Abona Granadilla is set to hold a significant vote of no confidence on Wednesday, instigated by the Popular Party (PP), Canarian Coalition (CC), and Vox. This proposal aims to oust the socialist mayor Jennifer Miranda and reinstate José Domingo Regalado, who previously served as mayor from 2016 to 2023.
The upcoming plenary session highlights the political rifts within the City Council, particularly within the Popular Party. While Councillor Marcos Antonio Rodríguez Santana has shown support for the motion, his party colleague, María Bianca Cerbán, has opted to abstain, raising uncertainties regarding the voting outcome.
Several Socialist Party leaders have arrived at the Granadilla town hall to offer their backing to the current mayor. Among them are former president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Pedro Martín, and the newly appointed insular secretary of the PSOE, Tamara Raya.
During his address, José Domingo Regalado reminded Pedro Martín that he ascended to the presidency of the Cabildo through a similar motion of no confidence. He referenced other successful motions instigated by the PSOE in Fuerteventura and La Palma, alongside the one that propelled Pedro Sánchez to the Spanish government. “It’s striking how difficult it is to recognise this when done by others,” Regalado stated.
In response, Jennifer Miranda communicated directly with the public. In her address, she emphasised the support she has received from the community and her party ally Aarón Afonso, who encouraged her to approach matters “with common sense.” Miranda contended that the motion was orchestrated from Santa Cruz, identifying Fernando Clavijo as the primary architect of this strategy.
According to the mayor, the motion does not reflect the will of the public, but rather a plan devised from “remote offices.” She defended her leadership and dismissed the allegations from her detractors, asserting that her commitment to the municipality is unwavering.
The sole supporter of the motion among the Popular Party mayors, Marcos Antonio Rodríguez Santana, who had previously kept quiet, described his choice as the “most challenging decision” of his political journey: his support for Jennifer Miranda in her role as mayor.
He explained that several determinants led him to back the motion of no confidence, notably the attempts by the Socialist Party to create discord within the Popular Party. Furthermore, he criticised what he perceived as an “inappropriate use” of his party, which has increasingly felt like an “employee” rather than an equal partner.
Despite the prevailing tensions, Rodríguez voiced his pride in his party’s accomplishments, particularly praising Councillor Bianca Cerbán for her “work ethic and commitment.” “I can personally attest that she alone manages to derive results from various departments,” he remarked.
Moreover, he highlighted that despite a shortage of staff and resources, all councillors have devoted much of their time to advancing the town’s projects.
The plenary proceedings are occurring amidst an atmosphere of anticipation and tension, both inside and outside the City Hall. A considerable police presence has been established due to the gathering of citizens around the building. Additionally, a large screen has been set up for attendees to watch the plenary session live.
As the discussion unfolded, David Santos’s remarks stood out as particularly harsh and assertive: “Marcos Antonio, the people of Granadilla await only the most profound forgetting and the deepest contempt,” he remarked. The socialist mayor revealed a proposal previously undisclosed by the president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, who allegedly sought to negotiate with the PSOE to govern in Granadilla—a proposal that was resolutely rejected. “Today, we bear the cost of our courage. Our word holds value,” he affirmed.
The event concluded with the election of José Domingo Regalado as the new mayor, who received the ceremonial baton in a rather impersonal manner from the main spokesperson of the age table, Carmen Dolores de Vera, who placed the scepter on the table rather than handing it over in the customary fashion. Despite Marcos Antonio, who backed the motion, applauding the outcome, his expression revealed little enthusiasm. Although Regalado emerged victorious, the political climate in Granadilla continues to be defined by profound divisions, and many believe that Jennifer Miranda’s tenure as mayor will leave a lasting impact that will be hard to overturn.
