Falange Claims Responsibility for Racist Posters in Tenerife Resort

Racist posters have appeared in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, causing significant worry and challenging the community's harmony. The campaign, attributed to the Falangist Youth of Spain, labeled a nearby "multicultural zone" as a "danger." These posters were deliberately placed opposite a center for migrant minors in the heart of the tourist town, according to Canarias Ahora.

The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in Puerto de la Cruz, supported by its regional and island leaders, strongly condemned the posters. The Socialist group on the City Council stated that the message is not freedom of expression but a clear call to hatred. They argue it targets people based on their origin and aims to create fear in a place known for its peaceful coexistence. The PSOE also highlighted that the Falange, an organization historically linked to repression and a dark period in Spanish history, makes these actions even more serious. Socialists warned that such messages could be considered a hate crime under Article 510 of the Spanish Penal Code.

The posters were first seen last Friday on central Blanco Street, a busy part of Puerto de la Cruz's old town, close to a popular nightclub and Plaza del Charco, an area frequented by both residents and tourists. They remained visible for at least two days, leading the PSOE to criticize the local government for its slow response. However, the posters were removed by Sunday midday. David Hernández, the first deputy mayor (from Asamblea Ciudadana Portuense), confirmed on social media that he personally took down another identical poster near the City Council, suggesting the propaganda was spread more widely across the municipality.

Concerns also extend to how these messages might affect the safety and well-being of migrant minors, most of whom are well-integrated into life in Puerto de la Cruz. The PSOE urged the local government to act decisively to prevent such intolerant views from becoming normal, suggesting these ideas thrive when the political right "looks the other way."

After the controversy, Falange Canarias claimed responsibility for the act on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. They posted photos of group members, with their faces hidden, putting up the posters at various key locations. This post drew many reactions from users, who questioned the "bravery" of those hiding their identities. People also pointed out the Falange's minimal electoral support, having received only three votes in the municipality in the last elections. Citizens rejected the message, demanding that fascism stay out of the Canary Islands. Some users also highlighted the hypocrisy, noting that other areas of the municipality have large German or English communities, yet were not targeted by the posters.