Luisa Castro is the mayor of Güímar again: vote of no confidence and new challenges

Luisa Castro has become the mayor of Güímar again, for the third time! This time, thanks to a vote of no confidence supported by two socialist councilors and one from Nueva Canarias. She has always openly discussed important issues. The newspaper DIARIO DE AVISOS spoke with the new mayor about the most important things: the Franco monument, her management style, current projects, and her attitude towards wind farms in the city.

– What is Güímar like now? How is it different from when you left it when you were mayor last time?

"It may sound trite, but in 2019 we left a thriving city. Now we see something gray. Preference was given to those who were in the previous team, and others were ignored. The city is divided, but not because of different views, but because the authorities only cared about "their own" and forgot about others."

– A very important issue now: what is your attitude towards the construction of wind farms in Güímar? How will this affect the city?

"From an environmental point of view, the landscape is the most likely to suffer. Although the area where they plan to build is not very populated. From an economic point of view, I hope that at least the landowners will benefit. And to combine the economy with the social sphere, although I can't promise anything, I will meet with the company to try to get the most benefit for Güímar."

– Regarding the Franco monument in Santa Cruz and your desire to move it to Güímar if it is restored. Do you still think so?

"This monument is a cultural and sculptural value. When I said that, was it beneficial for someone to portray me as a supporter of Franco? That's on the conscience of those who don't know me well. I repeat again: I don't want this work to end up at the bottom of the ocean, as one politician from Tenerife said. Was I not understood then? Well, it happens. But I will repeat as many times as necessary: I just want to preserve this work of art."

– There is a lot of talk about censorship now. Will the two socialist councilors receive salaries as before? And if they still get access to payments after being expelled from the party, can this issue be resolved in court?

"I don't know if it will go to court. They are entitled to a salary, and there are cases that confirm this. In any case, it is not up to me to decide whether those who supported us in the vote of no confidence will be expelled from their parties. I only know that if their party bodies listen to them carefully, they may not be expelled."

– Do you plan to revive the project to create a state-owned waste collection company, which caused so much trouble for the previous government?

"The economic situation we are in does not allow this. But we, the signatories of the vote of no confidence, are determined to do everything possible to make this state-owned company a reality as soon as it is economically feasible."

– Do you think that your victory in the mayoral election will affect the agreement between the parties at the regional level? And did you receive support from Manuel Domínguez in your party?

"No, absolutely not. The agreement between PP and CC never included the post of mayor of Güímar. Moreover, at the risk of sounding not very good, I believe that there was a certain political interest in our city at that time. On the other hand, those who know me know that I am loyal to the party. True to my beliefs and the structure that allows me to be where I am in politics. Anyone who thinks that I acted behind the backs of my party and leadership does not know me at all."

– The previous mayor was criticized for paying overtime to the local police a few days after taking office. He said he had resolved the issue. How exactly?

"I said that it is necessary to "unblock" and "defuse" this conflict. This means working to reduce tension and emotions. You need to listen carefully and look for solutions. We are going to solve it, we will make every effort and we will do it as soon as possible. Is it finally resolved? I didn't say that. We have been working together from day one to achieve this."

– How do you feel about returning to the post of mayor for the third time?

"The easiest thing would have been to stay in opposition and wait for the next election. But we saw Güímar getting worse and worse, and it's no longer a matter of political ambition, but a matter of people. I feel inspired and have a great desire to do what we have always talked about in the People's Party: to work for the people. I believe that they should not be deceived. The economic situation we have inherited is not at all what they said it was. Therefore, we must act carefully, because there is a lot to do and few resources."