Transparency in Local Governance: Betancuria’s Struggle in Fuerteventura
The idyllic municipality of Betancuria, nestled in the heart of the Canary Islands, currently stands out for an unfortunate reason: it is the only municipality in the archipelago breaching obligations regarding transparency. This pressing concern was highlighted during recent sessions held in Fuerteventura, organized by the Canary Islands’ Commissioner for Transparency in collaboration with the Federation of Municipalities of Canary Islands (FECAM).
A Crucial Gathering for Transparency
The event, titled “The Obligations of Transparency from the Perspective of Local Entities in the Canary Islands,” served as a platform for public officials and technical personnel from local administrations on the island to delve into the current state of transparency practices. Notable figures in attendance included Noelia García, the Commissioner for Transparency in the Canary Islands, and key service chiefs such as Miguel Ángel Herrero, who oversees Transparency Evaluation and Control, alongside Teresa Casanova, head of Claims and General Affairs.
Challenges in Transparency Compliance
Throughout the session, the participants addressed significant challenges related to adherence to transparency regulations, particularly focusing on the situation within Fuerteventura. While the region has witnessed positive strides towards better transparency, it still identifies crucial areas requiring immediate improvement. A detailed evaluation of 41 private entities on the island for 2024 revealed that 15 are failing to meet their transparency obligations. Striking a balance, only two entities achieved the highest score of 10, while three fell short, receiving failing marks.
Public Sector Highlights
Turning to the public sector, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura distinguished itself as a benchmark for transparency, attaining an impressive score of 9.28. However, the municipalities managed to drag the island’s average down, revealing considerable weaknesses. In fact, municipalities on Fuerteventura recorded the lowest average transparency score of all the Canary Islands, slightly exceeding a 6. Betancuria emerged as the sole municipality in the entire archipelago that is not upholding transparency standards, contrasting sharply with Puerto del Rosario, which received a commendable rating of noteworthy high.
Access to Information: A Growing Concern
Another alarming aspect discussed was the right of access to information. In 2025, there were 35 formal complaints registered concerning this right on the island. A staggering 29 of these arose from cases of administrative silence, showcasing a pervasive issue that needs addressing. The remaining six complaints pertained to explicit administrative resolutions. Puerto del Rosario being the focal point with 10 complaints, followed closely by Betancuria with six, and La Oliva and Tuineje each accumulating five.
Administrative Silence: A Key Issue
The data garnered represents a clear picture of the challenges that local administrations face regarding public access to information. Administrative silence continues to emerge as a significant obstacle in exercising the right to access public information. This issue not only hampers accountability but also raises concerns about public trust in governance.
Aiming for Improvement
The overarching objective of the gathering was to enhance training and raise awareness within local entities, nurture good practices, and improve compliance with transparency laws, ensuring the public’s unfettered access to essential information. The Commissioner for Transparency has reiterated their commitment to supporting local administrations with guidance and advice to foster positive outcomes in transparency efforts.
By reinforcing these principles and addressing the identified weaknesses, local entities can hope to foster a culture of transparency, thereby enhancing public trust and engagement within their communities.
