Socialist Group in Lanzarote Criticises President’s Extravagant Spending
The Socialist Group in the Lanzarote Cabildo has condemned the actions of island president Oswaldo Betancort, revealing that he has incurred additional expenses from a controversial trip to Texas last week. These include hiring a personal photographer for €10,000 and the travel costs for five high-ranking officials: three councillors and two island directors.
“Oswaldo Betancort has become the official tourist of Lanzarote, funded by public money. He embarks on jaunts with his photographer and entourage while we cut services, endure water shortages, and the Cabildo is in technical bankruptcy,” stated Socialist councillor Benjamín Perdomo.
High Costs to Taxpayers
The PSOE of Lanzarote reminded the public in their statement that this institutional trip has cost local taxpayers a staggering €254,370, awarded to a private company through a non-transparent, negotiated contract.
Furthermore, they claim that an additional €10,000 was spent on a personal photographer, a cost they deem completely unnecessary amid the current economic crisis and cuts. “Is the travel of three councillors and two island directors justifiable? This is not economic promotion; it’s personal promotion and pleasure trips paid for by everyone,” Perdomo asserted.
Questionable Participation
“It is particularly incomprehensible that the island’s Education councillor is present on this trip, as she has no responsibilities in foreign trade or tourism promotion,” Perdomo emphasised. “What does her involvement contribute to an event that, according to the Cabildo, focuses on promoting local products? There has been no official explanation justifying her inclusion in the delegation, and her presence only highlights the lack of diligence in organising this trip,” he insisted.
Established Export Practices
In addition, the Socialist Group highlighted that Lanzarote has been successfully exporting wine, salt, aloe vera, and quality eco-friendly products to international markets for years, thanks to institutional programmes and agreements facilitated by the Foreign Ministry and Proexca (Canary Islands Government). “There was no need to put on a million-euro spectacle. The serious and rigorous work already being done has opened markets, consolidated business relationships, and supported the primary sector and industry without the need for a media show in Texas,” explained Perdomo.
A Call for Solutions
The PSOE reiterated that while the island suffers from a water emergency and a housing crisis, and key projects for the sector are being suspended, the Cabildo president continues to escalate political spending, accumulating advisors and undertaking trips that yield no real benefit for the citizens.
“Lanzarote is not for photoshoots. It needs solutions. This self-promotion model by Oswaldo Betancort is proving very costly,” Perdomo concluded.
