The Popular Party (PP) of Lanzarote has been experiencing a tense calm for the past few months. Although it is evident that there has been an instruction from the party’s regional leadership, led by Manuel Domínguez, to ease tensions between the two clearly opposing factions, hostilities still arise at the slightest provocation. For many, this ongoing tension is simply intolerable.
The meeting held this past weekend in Tenerife highlighted the public affection expressed by the Secretary General in the Canaries, Poli Suárez, towards the so-called dissenters: Arrecife Mayor Yonathan de León and the Public Works councillor of the Cabildo, Jacobo Medina. Medina was dismissed by Astrid Pérez as secretary general of the party on the island, along with his colleagues in the Cabildo, where he began as the first vice-president in the government led by the nationalist Oswaldo Betancort. This affection sharply contrasts with the behaviour of most members surrounding the President of the Regional Parliament, who do not even gather with them for a family photo. Thus, there was a family photograph with the regional leaders that included the mayor and the councillor, while another image featured the others without them.
Maria Tovar, the current secretary general in Lanzarote and Medina’s replacement as vice-president of the Cabildo, recently stated on Crónicas Radio —where messages are often communicated— that she has no intention of ever speaking to the Mayor of Arrecife again. She believes he acted deceitfully in matters that culminated in court over his failure to adequately justify social aid in 2023. Her remarks haven’t helped to ease the tension, which some think will inevitably culminate in a crisis.
Furthermore, Jacobo Medina expressed his frustration on Monday, asserting his right to be respected as the Public Works councillor. He vented his anger after discovering that he had been omitted from photographs sent by the Cabildo government to the media, announcing the long-awaited commencement of work on the Tahíche seniors’ residence. He described the omission as “an insult,” viewing it as a lack of respect not only towards himself but also towards the workers in his department.
The two factions are reportedly under clear orders to bide their time and not cause unnecessary disturbances, especially as surveys indicate that Yonathan de León could achieve a historic result for the PP if elections were to be held under relatively normal circumstances.
Meanwhile, everyone is awaiting a final decision from the party regarding the holding of the island congress. Manuel Domínguez stated on Crónicas Radio’s “A buena hora” programme that he would like this congress to take place before the regional congress, which lacks the internal complications expected in Lanzarote. It appears that the PP president in the Canaries did not issue this message lightly; it was a clear warning that he wishes to see order restored before matters escalate. However, not everyone is convinced that this congress will resolve the underlying personal issues plaguing the party, despite the current local leader maintaining a surprisingly quiet stance.
Statements from Poli Suárez
Recently, on Crónicas Radio, the Secretary General in the Canaries attempted to convey that the internal turmoil, which he acknowledged exists, is under control. “The PP of Lanzarote has great people, with ambitious projects and excellent work ethic; be it the president herself or her team, who over the years have improved results in the Cabildo and the Arrecife City Council. We have retained our parliamentary seat in the Canary Islands for Lanzarote. The commitment from the PP of Lanzarote must be to keep working, earn the trust of the residents, and achieve better outcomes; the entire PP of the Island must be involved in this effort,” he commented during his appearance on “A buena hora.” He added, “It is true that there have been differences, and we’re not going to hide it, as it’s public knowledge. These differences have been aired, and we’ve said everything that needed to be said. From there, we need to roll up our sleeves for the good of the party and the whole island. Our best moments in the Canaries have been when we have been most united. People want unity and want us to listen to them, to solve their problems. This should be the focus of a political organisation, not on internal squabbles,” he concluded in response to questions from journalist Alfonso Canales.
When asked whether his proximity to Yonathan de León and the grievances he and Medina express could be linked to positive data regarding attempts to secure re-election as mayor of the capital, he was less definitive. “I don’t deal with surveys. I’ve always said the best survey is the one on election day. Nonetheless, we all conduct analyses. I’ve told Manolo Domínguez that we need to be focused on preparing our strategy in case of a potential national election advance or in readiness for the upcoming municipal and island elections, where we need candidates and committees in all 88 municipalities of the Canaries, seven Cabildos, and the Parliament of the Canaries. This requires effective management within various departments and party work, which is what we are doing with the island presidents,” he summarised.
In his view, there is no doubt that the enemy should never be within the ranks; it lies clearly in front, particularly with a Socialist Party (PSOE) desperate to disrupt the agreement they have with Coalición Canaria (CC). “The socialist bench has suggested several times in the Government of the Canaries that the president should break with the PP, and the president has said no. There is teamwork, loyalty, and commitment to this land and its people, which is what irritates the PSOE. This is not merely an instruction from the PSOE’s secretary general in the Canaries; it is a verifiable fact occurring day in and day out,” he explained.
