The Socialist Group of the Cabildo of Lanzarote has harshly criticized the spending of 3.5 million euros made by the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism (CACT) in projects for the supposed "transformation of the tourism model" of the island.
For the PSOE, "this investment is not only unjustifiable, but represents a monumental waste in initiatives without real impact, while the Cabildo, led by Oswaldo Betancort, ignores the structural problems that threaten the future of Lanzarote."
“An empty expense while the island collapses"
The councilor of the Socialist Group, Benjamín Perdomo, has denounced that "it is an empty expense disconnected from reality, which insults the intelligence of the people of Lanzarote." "While the CACT squander millions on abstract projects, the Cabildo continues without taking measures to stop tourism saturation, regulate vacation homes or control the excessive growth of the sector," he said.
"Where is the real impact?"
The PSOE emphasizes that "the island faces an unprecedented housing emergency, aggravated by the rise of vacation homes and the lack of control in the granting of tourist licenses." "These 3.5 million could have been used for real and urgent solutions, but they have ended up being 'straw', an unnecessary expense that does not improve either the tourism sector or the quality of life of the citizens," added Perdomo.
"An unsustainable tourism model"
The PSOE also criticizes that, "while millions are invested in projects of dubious utility, the Cabildo allows the proliferation of illegal hotels and does not act against the saturation of tourists." "The recent authorization of an illegal hotel is the height of irresponsibility," said Perdomo, who has demanded that the president of the Cabildo explain why he prioritizes superfluous expenses while "the island collapses."
"The passivity of Oswaldo Betancort"
According to the Socialist Group, "the management of Oswaldo Betancort is marked by inaction and waste." "It is unbearable that while 3.5 million are wasted on projects without a future, there are no resources destined to regulate vacation homes or to stop tourism saturation. This is a management that turns its back on the real needs of the island and its inhabitants," said Perdomo.
They demand immediate measures
The PSOE of Lanzarote demands that "the waste of public funds in empty initiatives be stopped and that the Cabildo make courageous and effective decisions. Regulating vacation homes, guaranteeing compliance with regulations in tourist licenses and stopping overcrowding must be immediate priorities." “It is time to act responsibly and direct public resources towards real solutions that protect Lanzarote and ensure its long-term sustainability,” concluded Perdomo.