Arona Opposition Criticizes Mayor Over Police Deployment Amid Staffing Shortages

Arona’s local government is facing criticism over its management of police resources. The Socialist municipal group (PSOE) has questioned the strategy of Mayor Fátima Lemes’s administration, pointing to a contradiction in how the town’s security staff is being deployed.

According to PSOE documentation, the Arona City Council authorized local police officers to work in the municipality of La Matanza de Acentejo on two occasions—June 27 and August 1—to assist with local festivities. The Socialists argue that this is problematic because Arona is currently struggling with a staff shortage, forcing the council to rely on expensive overtime pay to maintain basic surveillance services.

The opposition has also raised concerns about the lack of prior approval for these deployments. They note that one of the agreements was only submitted for validation after the fact, which they argue lacks proper administrative and political justification.

This controversy comes amid growing concerns over public safety in Arona. Data from the opposition shows a 31% increase in criminal offenses during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, with a notable rise in thefts and violent robberies. This trend conflicts with the council’s own internal reports, which frequently cite a lack of personnel as the reason for needing police reinforcements.

Councilman Francisco Marichal has called on the mayor to explain the planning behind these decisions. The Socialist group has formally requested detailed information, including the exact number of officers sent outside the municipality, the impact these absences had on local neighborhood coverage, and whether any technical reports were conducted to ensure these transfers were safe given the current staffing shortages. Ultimately, the party is demanding greater transparency regarding staff availability and a clear plan to ensure the stability of security services in Arona.