Arona Opposition Slams Council Over Communication Blocks
Más por Arona has accused Mayor Fátima Lemes's administration of creating communication barriers within Arona City Council by restricting union access to official emails and blocking opposition councillors from technicians, claiming these actions undermine rights and transparency.
The local political party Más por Arona (MxA) has publicly criticized what it sees as communication problems within the Arona City Council. They argue these issues affect both the rights of union representatives and the ability of opposition parties to do their job. The party, led by Luis García, blames Mayor Fátima Lemes's administration.
According to MxA, union representatives are being stopped from using the official email system to share information with council employees. The party stresses that this email system, including the council's contact list, is an official way to communicate with staff, not something to be used selectively. They point out that the mayor herself uses this system for official messages, like congratulations or instructions. MxA believes restricting these channels for sharing information about workers' rights could be an attempt to limit basic rights and make the workplace less effective.
Furthermore, the party claims that councillors are being blocked from speaking directly with council technicians, having to request appointments or permission first. MxA argues this makes it harder for the opposition to scrutinize the council, creates needless hurdles, reduces transparency, and stops elected officials from doing their democratic duty.
In response, MxA wants the council to be run in a way that ensures smooth communication and allows workers, unions, and political groups to carry out their roles properly, following the principles of an open government. The party has called on the ruling coalition (made up of PP, Coalición Canaria, and Vox) to match their talk of dialogue, unity, and transparency with their actions, by removing communication limits and encouraging participation.
Más por Arona, which formed after a split from the socialist government and the PSOE party in Arona, has announced that Luis García will run as their mayoral candidate in the next local elections. He will take over from Dácil de León, who led the party to win four council seats. It's worth noting that MxA was part of the local government until just over a year ago, in a coalition with Partido Popular and Coalición Canaria.