Quiero ser candidato a alcalde de Antigua
Aspiraciones claras en Antigua
Toño Fránquiz, president of the Popular Party’s governing body in Antigua, has boldly declared his intention to lead his party’s candidacy for the upcoming municipal elections. In a recent interview with La Voz de Fuerteventura on Radio Insular, Fránquiz expressed his passion for the municipality, stating, “I want to fight for my municipality.” This expression of determination sets the stage for a potential political showdown in the upcoming election.
Fránquiz’s desire to spearhead the campaign is rooted in what he views as an urgent need to “recover” a municipality that has suffered from years of decline. “I want Antigua to thrive again,” he emphasized, citing the overwhelming support he claims to receive from community members.
A municipality in distress
In his analysis of the local political landscape, Fránquiz delivered a sobering assessment of the current state of affairs in Antigua. He pointed to a prolonged period of instability within the municipal government, exacerbated by the departure of council members from Coalition Canaria (CC-AM) and ongoing public disputes among remaining councilors.
Fránquiz characterized the nationalists’ exit from the local executive as “predictable,” attributing it to their inability to do their jobs effectively. “It is hard to work when you are not allowed to,” he remarked, calling into question the loyalty of those who remain in the administration yet vocalize their criticisms.
“Being part of a governing team while undermining its authority is not very loyal,” he continued, alluding to the public disagreements among council members. Fránquiz believes that if individuals are unhappy in their positions, it is more principled to resign than to remain merely for the paycheck, especially for those without other employment options.
The pressing concerns of residents
Fránquiz underscored the municipality’s challenges by indicating that it is currently experiencing “one of its worst phases.” The disunity within the governing body is adversely affecting local governance and service delivery. He lamented that the accumulated deterioration of the municipality cannot be blamed on any singular administration. “This is not just about one year or two; this has been happening over several years,” he asserted.
According to Fránquiz, the anguish of citizens is palpable, particularly in coastal areas of Antigua, where community members have started to mobilize and voice their grievances. “Complaints are everywhere,” he declared, pointing to ongoing issues related to cleanliness, lighting, and general maintenance.
Among the various community concerns, he highlighted the state of sports facilities, especially football fields like those in the Valles de Ortega. “The grass burns; children roll and hurt themselves,” he said, emphasizing the lack of adequate spaces for youth sports. He also pointed to the deteriorating conditions of the municipal sports pavilion, the sports court of El Castillo, and a pool that has been closed for years.
A broader sentiment of neglect
Fránquiz made it clear that the dissatisfaction spans beyond the coastal towns and into the surrounding villages. Residents are expressing a sentiment of disposability, saying, “We are only here for the fiestas.” This reflects the community’s perception that municipal services are only responsive during special events, as cleanup efforts are notably absent for much of the year.
He illustrated this point with the example of an unfinished trench in the El Durazno area that has remained open for months, putting local residents at risk. “Neighbors find the trench in front of their houses,” he said, stressing that, despite multiple public complaints, no action has been taken even after eight months.
Assessing community feedback
The growing discontent echoed sentiments documented in a diagnostic report conducted by Cumbre 8 and financed by Gesprotur, which relies on data from the Canarian government’s Employment and Tourism Ministry. The report was recently presented by the AECA business association, highlighting a range of issues that residents view as neglected aspects of their community.
Fránquiz’s manifesto for a better Antigua resonates with many citizens, who are yearning for progressive change and practical solutions to the myriad challenges they face. His candidacy, marked by a clear understanding of local issues, aims to rally those frustrated by the lack of attention from the current administration. Through his potential leadership, he hopes to reestablish a sense of pride and functionality in Antigua, serving the best interests of its inhabitants.
