After a long and successful business career, why did you decide to enter politics?
I took the step when I saw, again and again, the situation in which Arrecife and Lanzarote find themselves, the abandonment and the increasing deterioration of our city and our island. I believe that no citizen can allow the money of all to continue to be wasted any longer and stand idly by while the situation worsens day by day. On the other hand, and during the time I have been in the Chamber of Commerce, I have been able to verify that with the taxes we conejeros pay, all the towns and cities of the Canary Islands improve, except those of Lanzarote. This is an exemplary island and those of us who live on it are good people and have the right to live on a dignified island. But we have to fight for our rights and pull our weight.
Why did you decide to take the step in the PNC?
Well, because of the team of people that make it up. A team of serious and honest people, with a great desire to work for our land, and in which ideas prevail and not people or positions.
What do you think you can contribute to the political life of Lanzarote?
I am convinced that I can contribute my professional experience, teamwork, search for consensus and collaboration in solving the problems of Arrecife and defending the interests of our island.
Are you against large surfaces?
Absolutely not. I believe in freedom of enterprise, but, yes, in equal conditions for all, without privileges, whether it is a local company or a multinational. In addition, I think it is essential that new food chains can be established, so that competition increases and this is reflected in a reduction in the cost of the shopping basket and an increase in the supply of products.
You reside in this city. How do you see Arrecife?
I see it as a disordered city, where everyone goes their own way and the problems of the citizens are not solved. No more and no less. Instead of being resolved, the problems only become eternal and aggravated. But I firmly believe in the enormous possibilities that Arrecife has so that we can live well in it. With effort, collaboration and head, Arrecife would be the best city to live in the Canary Islands, without any doubt.
And how do you see the City Council?
Well, I don't see it well, to be honest. I think it should improve in its organization, be much more agile in its responses to citizens, and much more transparent, and decentralize towards the neighborhoods.
What needs to be done for Arrecife to improve?
You have to work hard with order and harmony. With permanent dialogue, listening to the demands of citizens and seeking maximum consensus. We must inspire all the staff of the City Council, creating good work teams, setting an example of good organization and effectiveness. I am convinced that the officials of the City Council are the first to want to feel proud of the work done.
State three fundamental ideas of your electoral program.
Organization, work and seriousness, thinking about the general interest. Everything else starts from there. For me, the priorities today are to combat unemployment, poverty and social exclusion; support small and medium-sized companies with all kinds of measures and incentives, so that they can continue to create wealth and employment; diversify the economy and move towards energy and food self-sufficiency; and turn Arrecife into the central urban space of the island. And, of course, bet on transparent management through public tenders, publicity, merits, capacity and equal opportunities.
Are you not afraid that the electorate will decide to abstain in these elections?
I understand that there are many people fed up with politics, but there is no other way to change things than political participation. I think it is time to change, and that is why I encourage everyone to go and vote, and do so consciously. We must not turn our backs on politics, quite the opposite, and the vote is a powerful tool for change, the most powerful in democracy. Potential abstainers and the undecided can turn Arrecife around if they decide to take a step forward.