PSOE Expels Two Güímar Councilors Over Unauthorized No-Confidence Vote

The political crisis in Güímar has reached a turning point after the PSOE officially expelled councilors José Miguel Hernández and Patricia Encinoso. The party’s Federal Executive Commission rejected the pair's appeal, upholding the decision made on December 17 to sanction them for supporting a motion of no confidence without party approval.

That motion, which took place on August 11, 2025, removed Mayor Gustavo Pérez (CC) from office and returned Carmen Luisa Castro (PP) to the role. By supporting the move, Hernández and Encinoso split the local socialist group, leaving three councilors in opposition while they joined the new Popular Party-led government.

Under local government laws, the loss of party membership means both councilors must now sit as "non-attached" members. While the law allows them to keep their current pay and administrative rights, the Tenerife PSOE is pushing for change. Óscar Olave, the island’s Organization Secretary, has formally asked the mayor to strip the two councilors of their cabinet roles, which include key portfolios like Finance, Public Works, Festivities, and Transport. The party argues that the current government majority no longer reflects the political mandate of the original election.

The local PSOE maintains that the disciplinary process was fair and followed all proper procedures. Meanwhile, the two councilors—who previously justified their actions by citing poor management and a lack of transparency under the former administration—may now take legal action to challenge their expulsion. The situation leaves the stability of Carmen Luisa Castro’s government in question, as her majority now relies on two councilors who are politically isolated and facing mounting pressure from their former party.