The PSOE party in Arrecife has denounced that Mayor Yonathan de León has decided to spend nearly €30,000 of public money on a gala dinner to conclude the San Ginés Football Tournament. This event has already incurred costs exceeding €170,000 and has been characterised as having passed with “more sorrow than glory.”

Concerns Over Financial Management

Socialists have pointed out that this tournament was hastily organised after the Municipal Socialist Group highlighted the cancellation of the initially planned Option A, which was scheduled for August 7, 8, and 9, and included teams such as UD Lanzarote, US Yaiza, Rayo Vallecano B, Girona B, as well as the women’s teams from Real Sociedad and CD Tenerife. “Everything fell apart due to the disastrous management by Yonathan de León and his trusted aide, Eli Merino,” they lamented.

Disrespect Towards Local Clubs

“The issue is not just the disproportionate spending, but the lack of respect towards the sports clubs in the municipality, which are still awaiting payments for last season’s grants, with no knowledge of when this year’s funding will be announced,” stated Socialist Councillor Roy González. “While hundreds of families await a response, Councillor Merino is busy asking if dinner guests prefer vegetables with meat or fish. This is a mockery and an insult to those who support grassroots sports in our city with considerable effort,” he added.

Calls for Accountability

The PSOE of Arrecife has raised concerns that while an elite banquet is being organised for a select few, sports clubs have yet to see a single euro from the promised aid. “Once again, sports and the community are relegated to the background, sacrificed at the altar of waste and political posturing,” they warned.

A Historic Tournament

“We are talking about a tournament with history, recognised both regionally and nationally, which should honour the efforts of players, coaches, and supporters. However, this municipal government has turned it into yet another excuse for whimsical spending and self-promotion,” Roy González asserted.

Demand for Better Governance

The Socialist councillor was firm in his message: “Arrecife does not need gala dinners. It needs management, responsibility, planning, and respect. What is happening is shameful.”

For the PSOE of Arrecife, the governing model being solidified by Yonathan de León and Eli Merino is based on improvisation, clientelism, and wastefulness. “The culture of extravagance has become the hallmark of this governing group. And, as always, the bill is footed by all the residents of Arrecife,” they concluded.