Santa Cruz Approves Controversial Waste Tax

Santa Cruz residents will face a new annual charge of between 70 and 150 euros for waste collection starting January 1st. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council approved a 50% increase in this fee yesterday. Councillors from Vox and the PSOE voted against the change. The increase aims to comply with a state law that requires all city councils to implement this new charge, often referred to as the 'basurazo' or 'waste tax'.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez called the new law "terribly bad." He believes it creates "legal uncertainty," even though the European directive it comes from is meant to encourage recycling. The Mayor pointed out that the state law forces an increase in costs, meaning Canary Islands councils will have to collect an extra 140 million euros. He predicts this will lead to many legal challenges from residents, businesses, and community groups. "A lot of people are going to appeal it," he said.

The Mayor suggested that a clearer and more consistent regulation could have been chosen, rather than leaving each council to interpret the law themselves. He expressed concern about how legal appeals will proceed and what the courts will decide, noting that the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (Femp) has been warning about these issues for two years without a resolution. Despite their opposition, he stated, "we have no choice but to comply with the law."

Councillor for Finance, José Alberto Díaz-Estébanez, addressed concerns raised by the PSOE and the El Perenquén neighborhood association. He explained that municipal experts calculated the waste fee increase, aiming for the fairest option for residents and the most legally sound approach for the council. He added that postponing the decision risked breaking the law, and trying to offset the increase with other taxes would have been "legal fraud."

Socialist spokesperson Patricia Hernández strongly rejected the new fee. She argued that it's impossible for Santa Cruz residents to comply with, as it only offers discounts for using brown bins (for organic waste), but not for recycling plastic, paper, or cardboard. This means it treats those who recycle and those who don't in the same way. She also highlighted that vulnerable families only receive a 50% discount, while the Church and 1,227 municipal buildings pay nothing, meaning residents will cover their waste costs. Hernández concluded that the new rule lacks legal basis, fails to promote recycling, and unfairly shifts costs.

Carlos Tarife, Councillor for Public Services and PP spokesperson, accused Patricia Hernández of "revolting politics" and "telling lies," particularly about the council not helping low-income families. He called her comments "shameful," given the current government's focus on low taxes. Tarife also blamed national Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for not granting a delay to Canary Islands municipalities, which have diverse situations, to better implement a recycling system before applying the 'basurazo'.

Vox spokesperson Alejandro Gómez opposed the fee increase, stating it's a result of "climate fanaticism driven by Europe." He noted that the law was supported by the PSOE, CC, and most of the PP. Gómez described it as an "ideological law" that is "impossible to make sense of" and an "unfair tax" that doesn't reflect the reality of individual citizens.

In other news, the council approved a partnership with the Cabildo (island council) to fully renovate Santiago street in El Toscal. This project aims to improve accessibility, safety, urban function, and the overall quality of the public space. The work is expected to take 22 months and cost 2.5 million euros, with the Cabildo contributing 80% and the city council the remaining 20%.

A motion put forward by socialist spokesperson Florentino Guzmán was approved, calling for urgent repairs to the Taganana cemetery. The cemetery is suffering from severe structural damage and is at risk of collapse. Funds for its rehabilitation will be set aside in the municipal budget or through a budget adjustment. However, Guzmán's proposal to protect and reuse the old port silo was not supported. He had hoped to prevent the planned demolition of this structure, built during the Franco dictatorship and owned by the Port Authority, by finding new uses for it.

The PP successfully gained support to prioritize rhythmic gymnastics at the Ana Bautista pavilion, which is currently under construction. Meanwhile, the PSOE secured a commitment to expand breast cancer screening criteria across all of the Canary Islands.

The city council also pledged yesterday to eliminate fees for opening new businesses in the capital by the first quarter of 2026. Finance Councillor José Alberto Díaz-Estébanez made this commitment in response to PSOE spokesperson Matilde Zambudio, who criticized the council for "inaction." The councillor apologized for not fulfilling a promise made in July 2022 to fully subsidize the business opening license tax.

The plenary session also approved the resignation of Councillor Ana Delia Darias, who is stepping down due to illness. PSOE spokesperson Patricia Hernández announced this news emotionally and in tears. Other councillors offered their strong support to Darias and her family.

Amidst applause and tears, the Santa Cruz City Council unanimously approved starting the process to honor Carmen Eugenia Afonso, widely known as Geni. Geni, an iconic Carnival figure who passed away in 2023, will have the small square next to the Cabildo named after her, thanks to her brother José Víctor, who collected 1,400 signatures. During the motion, attended by friends, family, and other Carnival figures, all political groups praised Geni's significant contributions to the city's culture and festivities.