Former Mayor Marco González Mesa Criticizes Puerto de la Cruz Administration Over Tourism Decline and Stalled Projects
Former Puerto de la Cruz mayor Marco González Mesa has criticized the current ruling coalition for administrative paralysis and a decline in tourism, signaling his intent to challenge the government's management of key infrastructure and urban projects.
In Puerto de la Cruz, the political climate is heating up as the opposition, led by former mayor Marco González Mesa, keeps a close watch on the current administration. In a recent interview with journalist Andrés Chaves, the Socialist spokesperson criticized the ruling coalition—made up of the PP, CC, and Asamblea Portuense—for what he describes as a "paralysis" in investment that is hurting the city’s tourism.
González Mesa points to a drop in visitor numbers during May and June, with 16,000 and 12,000 fewer tourists respectively. He blames this decline on the government’s failure to address the rise of vacation rentals and the stalling of key projects. Specifically, he highlighted the delayed parking lot project at Plaza de Europa and the ongoing issues with the Iders building, which has been declared a ruin. While he oversaw the relocation of the building's residents during his time as mayor, he maintains that the move was a necessary humanitarian step.
The debate also covers major cultural and environmental sites. Regarding San Francisco Park, González Mesa argues that the original 2013 plan is no longer viable, noting that costs have ballooned from 8 million to 25 million euros; he suggests focusing on the old bus station instead. He also criticized the handling of Playa Jardín, claiming that issues with sewage and water quality remain unresolved and that the municipal response has lacked the necessary technical rigor.
As González Mesa looks toward a potential run in the next election, he is balancing his political career with his background in education and culture. He is positioning himself against what he calls an "unnatural pact" between the current conservative parties. While he admits to mistakes made during his own time as mayor—particularly regarding urban planning—his strategy is to rally his base by focusing on accessibility and projects like the Botanical Garden. He argues that the current government is prioritizing party politics over fixing the city's fundamental problems.