La Orotava Opposition Criticizes Council Spending Priorities and Stalled Infrastructure Projects
The PSOE in La Orotava has criticized the municipal government's €60 million budget, arguing that excessive spending on institutional advertising neglects critical infrastructure projects and local economic development.
La Orotava City Council’s budget is back in the political spotlight after María Jesús Alonso, spokesperson for the Socialist municipal group (PSOE), questioned the council's spending priorities.
According to local reports, the opposition is challenging a nearly €300,000 allocation for advertising and institutional publications. Alonso argues this amount is excessive, especially when compared to the funding provided for key sectors like local commerce and agriculture.
This criticism is part of a wider concern regarding stalled infrastructure and urban planning projects. The PSOE claims these delays are holding back the town’s development. Specifically, they pointed to the lack of progress on the General Urban Development Plan and stalled mobility projects, such as the proposed parking facilities in the historic center ("Zone 7"). They also highlighted a lack of clear plans for important sites like El Rincón, coastal access, the Teobaldo Power center, and the former Santísima Trinidad Hospital.
The opposition believes these issues stem from a lack of strategic planning by Mayor Francisco Linares’ government. Alonso argues that the council is prioritizing self-promotion over essential structural needs, which she claims hurts the local economy and residents' quality of life. The PSOE has urged the administration to shift its focus toward solving these practical problems, while offering to work together on initiatives that support local growth.
These criticisms come against the backdrop of a municipal budget exceeding €60 million. The budget was recently approved with support only from Coalición Canaria; the Partido Popular abstained, while the PSOE and Asamblea por La Orotava voted against it. Mayor Linares has defended the budget, maintaining that it ensures financial stability without increasing taxes. He claims the plan will save taxpayers over €1 million while protecting social investment and modernization efforts.