Güímar PP Invites Independent Councilors to Join Electoral Lists

The political landscape in Güímar is shifting ahead of the May elections, according to Diario de Avisos. The Popular Party (PP) has officially invited councilors Patricia Encinoso Pestano and José Miguel Hernández Fernández to join their electoral lists. Both currently serve as independent councilors after leaving the Socialist Party (PSOE).

This proposal follows a strategic alliance formed in July 2025, when a motion of no confidence replaced nationalist mayor Gustavo Pérez (Coalición Canaria) with the PP’s Carmen Luisa Castro. That agreement included a roadmap for long-term cooperation, provided the local government performed well.

The two councilors became independents last June after the PSOE’s federal leadership expelled them following disciplinary proceedings. Their appeals were rejected, and they chose not to pursue legal action, leaving them free to determine their own political future.

The current government views this move as a way to ensure stability and maintain the cohesion they believe has improved municipal management.

For now, Encinoso and Hernández have not committed to the offer. While the PP has suggested they run as independents rather than full party members, both councilors say they want to finish their current term before making a final decision. They are currently focused on their daily council duties and have ruled out starting their own political party, noting that they hope to avoid further fragmenting the local vote in the upcoming election.