Canary Islands Transparency Commissioner Orders Santa Cruz Council to Disclose Public Land Usage Data

The Canary Islands Commissioner for Transparency has stepped in to address a lack of openness regarding the management of public spaces in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The regional watchdog has issued a formal requirement to both the City Council and the Ministry of the Presidency and Justice after they failed to respond to information requests from the union Intersindical Canaria (IC).

The dispute began on April 9, when union delegate José David Ortuño requested details about the regulation and control of parking spaces outside the courthouse on Avenida Tres de Mayo. Because these spaces sit on public land managed by the City Council, the union is seeking to understand who authorized their use and whether any formal agreements or technical reports exist to justify the occupation.

The Commissioner’s resolution criticizes the local administration for its silence, noting that officials have neither provided the requested files nor offered a reason for withholding them. The City Council now has 15 days to hand over the documentation.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about institutional transparency in the Canary Islands. The Commissioner has reminded officials that complying with transparency laws is a legal requirement, not a choice. The warning is clear: continued failure to provide public information or ignore oversight requests could lead to disciplinary action for serious infractions. Ultimately, the situation underscores the need for greater accountability in how public land is managed and how decisions are made.