Political alliance in Arona crumbles leaving PP-CC Government dependent on Vox


  • 16-01-2025
  • Tenerife
  • Canarian Weekly
  • Photo Credit: Ayuntamiento de Arona
Political alliance in Arona crumbles leaving PP-CC Government dependent on Vox

The governing coalition in the municipality of Arona, the most populous municipality in the south of Tenerife, has fractured after Mayor Fátima Lemes of the Partido Popular (PP) announced the dismissal of four councillors from the Más Por Arona party yesterday (Wednesday), citing a "loss of confidence."

The decision reshapes the local government, leaving it reliant on Vox to maintain its administration alongside the Coalición Canaria (CC).

The newly formed alliance would require the inclusion of far-right Vox councillors Naim Valerio Yánez and Melania Desiré Santos. However, the combined total of PP, CC, and Vox councillors adds up to 12, falling short of the 13 needed for a majority in the 25-seat municipal council.

Mayor Lemes Cites Urgent Need for Change

In a statement, Lemes explained her decision, expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the Más Por Arona councillors. “This decision is based on the loss of trust and deep dissatisfaction with how responsibilities have been handled so far. There is an urgent need to change the course of this administration to transform Arona into the municipality we deserve,” she said.

Lemes emphasized her commitment to introducing new leadership and a programme of actions in the coming days, pledging to prioritise progress and efficiency for the remainder of her term. She highlighted her original mission to elevate Arona’s development and welfare, declaring, “The work of any team is built on mutual trust and effectiveness, which are no longer present in several delegated areas.”

A History of Political Turbulence

Arona, a municipality with a population of 87,000 and a key tourist destination in Tenerife, has experienced years of political and economic entanglements affecting its governance. This latest political shake-up comes in the context of ongoing debates over urban development and local governance.

The municipality has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the fallout from the controversial ARTS shopping centre project, spearheaded by businessman Diego Cano. The development was halted in 2021 due to potential urban planning violations, triggering a crisis in the then-PSOE-led government.

The scandal led to the dismissal of Urban Planning Councillor Luis García and, subsequently, the expulsion of Mayor José Julián Mena from the PSOE for acting independently of party directives.

Vox’s Role in the New Administration

This is not the first instance of Coalición Canaria working with Vox, having previously done so in Teguise, Lanzarote. Such alliances have drawn criticism due to Vox's far-right stance, but CC has defended these decisions as necessary for governance.

Lemes highlighted the importance of fiscal discipline and a focus on delivering solutions for Arona, a municipality she claims has been neglected, along with much of southern Tenerife.

As Arona enters another period of political uncertainty, the municipality’s economic interests, governance, and future development remain at the centre of heated debate.

 

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