On Wednesday, the PSOE of Arrecife condemned Mayor Yonathan de León’s decision to spend nearly €30,000 of public funds on a gala dinner to conclude the San Ginés Football Tournament. This event had already cost over €170,000 and was described as having passed “more with sorrow than glory.”

Poor Management Highlighted

In their press release on Thursday, the socialists reminded that the tournament was organised “in desperation” after the Municipal Socialist Group highlighted the cancellation of Option A, initially planned for 7th, 8th, and 9th August. This included teams such as UD Lanzarote, US Yaiza, Rayo Vallecano B, Girona B, and the women’s teams of Real Sociedad and CD Tenerife. “Everything fell apart due to the disastrous management of Yonathan de León and his trusted associate, Eli Merino,” they lamented.

Disrespect Towards Local Clubs

“The serious issue is not just the disproportionate spending, but the lack of respect towards the sports clubs in the municipality, which have yet to receive the subsidies from last season or know when this year’s allocations will be announced,” stated Socialist councillor Roy González. “While hundreds of families are waiting for a response, Councillor Merino is busy asking if dinner guests prefer vegetables with meat or fish. It’s a mockery and an insult to those who support grassroots sports in our city with significant effort,” he added.

Elite Banquet Amidst Financial Neglect

The PSOE of Arrecife has denounced that while an elite banquet is organised for a select few, sports clubs see none of the promised financial aid. “Once again, sports and citizens are relegated to a secondary role, sacrificed on the altar of waste and political posturing,” they declared.

Call for Responsible Governance

“We are talking about a tournament with a rich history, recognised at both regional and national levels, which should honour the efforts of players, coaches, and fans. However, this municipal government has turned it into yet another excuse for frivolous spending and self-promotion,” insisted Roy González.

The Socialist councillor was firm in asserting that “Arrecife does not need gala dinners. It requires management, responsibility, planning, and respect. What is happening is shameful.”

For the PSOE of Arrecife, the governance model that Yonathan de León and Eli Merino are establishing is based on improvisation, patronage, and extravagance. “The culture of waste has become the hallmark of this government group. And as always, the bill is paid by all residents of Arrecife,” they concluded.