Alonso Steps Down From Santa Cruz Taxi Oversight Citing Harassment

Evelyn Alonso, the Mobility Councilor for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has stepped down from her role overseeing the taxi sector. The city council announced this on Wednesday. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez accepted her decision. Alonso explained that she was facing increasing personal harassment and comments that, in her view, went beyond normal political or industry discussions. This caused her significant psychological distress and made her emotional state unbearable.

In a letter to the mayor, Alonso said she was stepping back from this specific duty because of her commitment to institutional responsibility, personal integrity, and public respect. She explained that her goal is to stop personal disagreements or conflicts from continuing to disrupt an essential public service for citizens.

As a result of her resignation, Gladis de León, the Councilor for Citizen Security, will take over the management of the taxi sector starting today. Mayor Bermúdez signed a resolution confirming this change. It cancels Evelyn Alonso's previous authority over the taxi sector, though she will keep her other responsibilities within the Mobility department.

The Mayor of Santa Cruz thanked Alonso for her "dedication over the past two years in trying to have calm and thoughtful discussions" with this "very important" sector. He also expressed confidence that Gladis de León would "improve the sector." He added that the city council "has always worked, and will continue to work, collaboratively" with the taxi industry to meet its needs.

Gladis de León said she regretted her colleague's decision but accepted the mayor's new assignment. Her new role gives her the power to direct and manage these services, and to make administrative decisions that affect others. This is in addition to any other responsibilities she might be given by other governing bodies.