PP Names Carmen Pérez as Mayoral Candidate for Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The Partido Popular has officially named Carmen Pérez as its mayoral candidate for Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The announcement settles months of speculation regarding the party’s leadership in the capital and confirms that current first deputy mayor, Carlos Tarife, will not be the candidate. The presentation, held at the TEA, featured strong support from party leaders Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Manuel Domínguez.

Pérez, who previously served as CEO of the municipal Development Society, represents a strategic shift for the local party. In her speech, she pledged to reform municipal management, promising more decisive leadership and placing economic growth at the heart of her platform. She also highlighted her professional background, transitioning from law to public administration—a move regional president Manuel Domínguez praised as a necessary renewal for the party.

To maintain internal unity, both Pérez and Feijóo publicly acknowledged Carlos Tarife’s efforts in strengthening the party locally. For the national leadership, the decision in Santa Cruz is part of a wider plan to boost the PP’s influence in the Canary Islands, which Feijóo has identified as a key priority for upcoming elections.

During the event, Feijóo also took the opportunity to criticize the central government led by Pedro Sánchez. He argued that institutional reform—including stricter rules on pardons for corruption—must begin at the local and regional levels. By backing Pérez, the PP aims to present a strong alternative in Tenerife, betting on a candidate who combines technical expertise with a fresh political approach.