Granadilla de Abona Approves €67.4 Million Budget Amid Political and Financial Concerns

The Granadilla de Abona City Council has officially approved its annual budget of 67,470,252 euros, concluding a process marked by political friction and technical concerns. The new budget represents a 2.02% increase over the previous year, following the council’s decision to reject two formal complaints filed during the public review period.

The approval process highlighted a significant divide between the governing administration and the opposition. Treasury head Rubén Casañas defended the budget, stating that it will strengthen scholarships, support the third sector, and improve essential services. Conversely, the Socialist (PSOE) municipal group has challenged the process, even filing an appeal against the decision to hold an emergency commission meeting in August, arguing there was no justification for such haste so late in the fiscal year.

Beyond the political debate, technical reports have raised concerns about the council's financial management. The municipal audit noted risks regarding projected revenue from the sewage tax, warning that the council must monitor this closely to avoid future budget shortfalls. Additionally, internal auditors highlighted a "structural fragility" in local finances, noting a difficult balance between current income, operating costs, and debt repayments.

The local government has dismissed these concerns, arguing that the opposition’s objections regarding budgetary stability do not meet the legal criteria for challenging the document. However, Socialist spokesperson David Santos maintains that the audit’s warnings are serious indicators of long-term financial instability. While the budget is now finalized, the council’s financial health will depend on its ability to collect projected revenue and address the structural weaknesses identified by its technical experts.