The Canary Islands Parliament have rejected a proposal from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) urging the Government of the Canary Islands to finalise the process initiated by the previous administration to purchase the land in La Tejita, Granadilla de Abona, where the controversial hotel is being constructed, regardless of the demands from 20A demonstrators.
The vote, primarily led by four of the parties (CC, PP, ASG, and AHI) and supported by the far-right Vox party, indicates a significant decision affecting the ongoing construction of the hotel and the preservation of the environment around the Special Nature Reserve of Montaña Roja.
The proposal, brought forth by the PSOE, is aimed at halting the construction work on the hotel site to extend environmental preservation efforts. Patricia Hernández, a prominent figure in the debate, emphasised the urgency of deciding whether to halt the construction works, echoing the sentiments of many citizens longing for the reclamation of the area. She highlighted that negotiations for the land purchase began in 2022 after the works were originally stopped in 2021, with the appropriate budget allocations.
Hernández accused the CC of politicising the issue and misleading the public by attributing the construction licenses to the PSOE. She pointed out that such licenses were issued during the tenure of the CC-led administration, highlighting a discrepancy in the narrative presented by the government.
The debate also saw opposition from Miguel Martín Fumero of the CC, who criticized the PSOE's proposal as opportunistic and populist. Meanwhile, Jennifer Curbelo of the Partido Popular questioned the PSOE's stance, especially regarding its support for a hotel construction project in Puertito de Adeje, just 30 kilometres away.
Raúl Acosta of AHI stressed the importance of exploring alternative solutions before resorting to land acquisition, citing ethical, aesthetic, and legal considerations. Similarly, Jesus Ramos Chinea of ASG emphasised the need for dialogue between all stakeholders to reach a consensus rather than resorting to public expenditure to rectify past mistakes.
Nicasio Galván of Vox reiterated the importance of adhering to existing licenses and warned against creating legal uncertainties that could deter future private investment.
On the other hand, Natalia Santana of NC supported PSOE's proposal, recalling past negotiations under the previous administration aimed at acquiring the property for €25 million. She argued that the hotel's location in a protected area and public concerns justified the exceptional step of purchasing the land.
The debate reflects the complex interplay between environmental conservation, urban development, and political interests in the Canary Islands.
