A Government Led by Two Councilors
The recent dismissal of the local government’s second-in-command has significantly disrupted the internal dynamics of a council now left with a precarious balance of power. With a tight three-to-three correlation between councilors and the opposition, the departing councilor is expected to transition to a non-attached group. This turmoil occurs alongside judicial proceedings that will require the mayor to testify regarding alleged ongoing administrative misconduct, embezzlement, and workplace harassment. Originally set for March 27, this important court appearance has been postponed to April 16.
In an interview on the program *La Voz de Fuerteventura* on Radio Insular, Councilor Pérez emphasized the complex nature of the current political landscape and highlighted the operational weaknesses stemming from the recent changes. The local government has effectively been reduced to just two active councilors—Mayor Enrique Cerdeña and another council member, José Cerdeña—while a third councilor from the governing party remains inactive. This limitation on personnel has raised concerns about the government’s ability to function effectively during an especially fragile time for the municipality.
Pérez noted that while the departure of the deputy mayor did not come as a shock, it raises questions about decision-making processes within the governing council. He pointedly remarked, “Many decisions are made upstairs that no one understands,” suggesting a disconnect between leadership and the needs of the community.
Drawing attention to initiatives championed by the former deputy mayor, Esperanza González, Pérez expressed frustration over the lack of action regarding the establishment of school meal programs in unitary schools. He explained that González had requested a budget allocation of approximately €30,000 to implement meal services at the most populated school, located in Valle de Santa Inés, but had yet to receive any response from the administration.
“We believe this is vital for the survival of unitary schools,” Pérez asserted, emphasizing that the absence of essential services like meals and early child care hampers family-work balance and contributes to the depopulation problem affecting their community.
In contrast to this unresponsiveness, Pérez cited decisions he finds difficult to justify, specifically the allocation of over €20,000 for improvements at an educational center in Vega del Río Palmas that has been closed for more than 15 years and is slated for conversion into a hostel. “It makes no sense,” he summarized, highlighting what he sees as a lack of coherence in the management of public resources.
Despite these challenges, Pérez assured that their political group would maintain a stance of “responsible opposition,” ruling out a motion of censure and committing to contribute to the municipality’s stability by supporting measures deemed beneficial for the community.
More Meetings and Legal Obligations for Responses
Additionally, the spokesperson of AM-CC has called for adherence to an initial agreement established at the start of the legislative term, stipulating the necessity of holding ordinary council meetings every three months. “Currently, these meetings are taking place every five or six months, which is quite disastrous,” he criticized.
On the agenda for an upcoming council session is a proposal from the nationalist party featuring two motions. First, a motion focusing on public housing aimed at providing land for administration to facilitate the construction of new homes and combat depopulation issues. “This is one of the main problems we face,” he pointed out.
The second motion seeks to strengthen home care services in response to rising demand, particularly after staff shortages in recent years. “Our aim is not just to cover gaps but to enhance service quality and ensure better support for the elderly and dependent individuals,” he clarified.
Furthermore, the spokesperson of AM-CC noted that they have formally submitted requests and questions, which will require the mayor to provide public explanations. “There is a section in the law that mandates that if we register those requests and questions, the mayor has to respond during the council meeting,” he concluded.
