The Investigation of Enrique Cerdeña: A Case of Alleged Misconduct in Betancuria
Enrique Cerdeña, the mayor of Betancuria, is at the center of a legal investigation as he is summoned to testify as an investigated party before the Third Court of First Instance and Instruction in Puerto del Rosario on March 27. On the same day, Elena Puchalt, the municipal secretary and accountant, is also required to provide her testimony. These hearings had initially been scheduled for mid-February but were postponed, raising questions about the depth of the case and the implications for local governance.
The investigation was sparked by a complaint from the Fiscalía (Public Prosecutor’s Office), which was notably flagged by Isabel Clara Marichal, a municipal employee who, besides being a victim, has positioned herself as a private accuser in this unfolding drama. This case has drawn attention due to allegations of serious misconduct, including continued administrative malfeasance, misappropriation of public funds, and workplace harassment.
Background on Enrique Cerdeña
Enrique Cerdeña has held the position of mayor since July 2024, upon the retirement of Marcelino Cerdeña. However, he is no stranger to local government, having served as deputy mayor for 17 years prior to his ascendancy. His current predicament arises from allegations of misuse of authority and potential fiscal improprieties related to municipal contracts, particularly those involving Dr. Construcciones Alonso Torres Fuerteventura, a firm with known ties to both past and current mayors.
The Accusations Explained
The seeds of this investigation were sown in August 2024 when Marichal lodged an official complaint, further expanded in January 2025. The crux of the allegations lies in Cerdeña’s purported manipulation of local employment and contracting processes. Specifically, the allegations suggest that after a long-term absence of the municipal accountant, Marichal—the rightful first candidate—was pressured by the mayor to approve a decree within hours while she was attending to family emergencies in the hospital.
Moreover, after Marichal ultimately declined to accept the position, Cerdeña sought to fill the vacancy without genuinely considering her competence or experience. Subsequently, both she and the head of Municipal Assistance Services identified numerous irregularities in municipal dossier processing.
Contractual Irregularities
One of the most pressing concerns revolves around a project for the renovation of walls and pavements, valued at over €400,000. This project was awarded to a company that had initially failed to respond adequately to the bidding process, yet was ultimately granted the contract through a negotiated procedure devoid of public bidding. The allegations also extend to the contract’s approval, which should have been managed by the municipal assembly rather than the local government board—a competency that was bypassed, raising red flags regarding administrative transparency.
In a particularly controversial move, Cerdeña authorized a payment of €53,000 under the guise of a minor contract, despite it not fitting that classification—an action that exceeds the mayor’s financial authority.
External Consultancies and Legal Counsel
The Fiscalía has also raised concerns about two external consultancies hired for municipal legal advisory functions. These contracts were awarded without justifiable need, given that a qualified legal advisor already existed within the municipal framework. Moreover, one of the external firms reportedly provided legal opinions on issues before being officially contracted, suggesting a potential breach of legal protocols and standards.
Marichal’s assertion that her departmental functions were usurped by Cerdeña’s approval of external consultants is particularly alarming, especially considering she was stripped of her personnel responsibilities without any preceding feedback about her performance.
Workplace Harassment Claims
A critical part of the inquiry involves allegations of workplace harassment. Marichal claims that she experienced significant professional isolation and was denied access to vital municipal documentation necessary for her role. During the height of turmoil, Cerdeña allegedly made threats against her, further constraining her ability to perform her job effectively. She has sought legal protection under workplace harassment protocols due to described behaviors that she characterizes as humiliating and hostile toward her professional standing.
Payroll and Administrative Procedures
The investigation also uncovers potential malpractices concerning the Relationship of Job Positions within the municipality. A session in June 2024 led to a supposed update of employee salary complements; however, the municipal secretary ordered a complete rework of payroll based on dubious legal grounds. In practice, this meant altering promised compensations under the approved job structure, which left not only Marichal but other employees in a lurch.
The irregularities within the payroll processing, coupled with the secretary continuing to receive approved promotional payments, have also been flagged as suspicious acts worthy of scrutiny. The Fiscalía is particularly concerned that these actions may represent a significant dereliction of duty and legal compliance.
With the investigations now underway, both Cerdeña and Puchalt will have their chance to explain their actions in court. This situation in Betancuria serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for accountability in public office and the potential impact of alleged improprieties on local governance. The upcoming testimonies may unveil further details about the allegations and result in significant repercussions for those involved.
