The Socialist Party (PSOE) of Lanzarote has strongly condemned the violence suffered by party spokesperson Begoña Hernández at the hands of a worker from the Town Hall during her legitimate duties as a public representative.

The incident, which Hernández has reported, occurred when she visited the Town Hall after being previously authorised to consult municipal documents, following several unsuccessful attempts to obtain copies through the usual channels. According to the socialists’ statement, while attempting to photograph the documents—an act fully protected by law—a staff member forcibly prevented her from doing so.

Party’s Full Support

Cristina Duque, spokesperson for the PSOE’s island executive in Lanzarote, expressed the party’s complete backing and solidarity with Hernández, stating, “A councillor has the right and duty to scrutinise the actions of the municipal government. What has happened in Tinajo is extremely serious: not only has this right been obstructed, but violence has also occurred. This is intolerable and we will not allow it.”

A Pattern of Harassment

The PSOE of Lanzarote reminded that this situation is not an isolated incident. “In every plenary session, Councillor Begoña Hernández has endured humiliating treatment from Mayor Jesús Machín, characterised by insults, disrespect, and sexist comments that have been publicly denounced by the socialist group,” they asserted.

Hostile Environment

“This episode is a direct consequence of a climate of hostility that has been entrenched for too long in the Town Hall of Tinajo, fuelled by the authoritarian and aggressive attitude of its mayor. When fundamental principles of democratic practice are disrespected from the mayor’s office, incidents like this occur. We will not normalise it,” Duque insisted.

Commitment to Rights

The PSOE of Lanzarote announced that it will take all necessary measures in response to incidents that cannot go unanswered. “We will firmly defend the rights of our colleagues and denounce any abuse of power or attempts to silence those who responsibly and courageously exercise opposition,” concluded the spokesperson.