The Socialist Group in the Arrecife City Council has lamented the Municipal Plenary's rejection of its amendment to the entirety of the budget project presented by the mayor, Yonathan de León, and his government group. A budget proposal that, according to the PSOE, "is a true reflection that the mayor has no idea what he wants for Arrecife."
Alfredo Mendoza, spokesperson for the PSOE in the Arrecife City Council, was clear in his intervention: "They present us with a budget without vision, without a city model, and without economic planning. While Arrecife faces structural challenges such as the housing emergency, youth unemployment, the lack of infrastructure, or the need to reinforce public services, the municipal government allocates more than six million euros to parties and propaganda."
A continuist, unequal management without citizen participation
The PSOE denounces that the budget is continuist and prioritizes spending on events and festivities over key investments for the city. "Only 30,000 euros are allocated to local commerce, 15,000 euros for bus stops, 0 euros for accessibility plans, 0 euros for rat extermination and disinfection, 0 euros for the environment, and not a single euro for a public lighting plan. Where is the city model they talk so much about?" Mendoza questioned.
In terms of housing, the socialists consider that the situation is "alarming": "Arrecife suffers a serious housing deficit and the budget barely contemplates 220,000 euros in rental aid. Where are the items for the residents evicted from Titerroy or for those of the 70 homes in Valterra?" asked the socialist spokesperson.
The group has also criticized the lack of citizen participation and dialogue with municipal workers. "Social, business, or neighborhood groups have not been consulted. Not even the City Council staff has been taken into account. UGT has denounced that there has been no willingness to listen to labor demands," Mendoza pointed out.
Uncontrolled spending and wrong priorities
The PSOE also warns of the risk of non-compliance with budgetary stability rules. "More is spent on parties than on education, youth, culture, or social action. Barely 500,000 euros in direct aid to social action, only 10,000 euros for youth, and no real investment for the elderly or people in situations of loneliness. Meanwhile, 200,000 euros are reserved for the mayor's propaganda and as much for artists and events," denounced Alfredo Mendoza.
"Arrecife deserves much more"
The PSOE considers it essential that a new budget be drawn up that prioritizes employment, housing, mobility, and public services, and that includes citizens in its design.
"Arrecife deserves a brave budget, with a clear vision of the future, and not a permanent party without direction. This document is the confirmation that Yonathan de León has no idea what he wants for this city, nor does he listen to its people," Mendoza concluded.
