Open Assembly in Santa Cruz to Address Social Inequalities
Several left-wing parties in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have organised an open assembly for this Friday at 7:00 PM in Los Gladiolos Park. The event aims to discuss neighbourhood inequalities and initiate talks for a potential political agreement. Residents will gather with representatives from Podemos, Nueva Canarias, Izquierda Unida, Sí Se Puede, and Movimiento Sumar Canarias to address pressing municipal issues.
Titled Equal Neighbourhoods, Diverse Neighbourhoods, the meeting will focus on the disparities in access to public services, transport, housing, and cultural resources between the city centre and its outskirts. The organisers highlight a persistent issue where certain areas receive significant investment, while others face structural shortages affecting thousands.
The assembly comes amid rising housing costs and insufficient inclusive urban planning. Recent data shows rents in the capital have increased by over 20% in recent years, making it harder for residents in lower-income areas to secure decent living conditions. Limited public transport and a lack of cultural spaces in peripheral zones further exacerbate social and territorial inequalities.
The gathering aims not only to diagnose these issues but also to activate solutions through civic participation. The organisers believe it is crucial to build a strong political alternative to prevent the fragmentation of the progressive space. In previous municipal elections, many votes failed to translate into adequate representation, sparking a discussion on the significance of unity.
Additionally, the assembly will kick off discussions among the participating parties aimed at forming a broad agreement ahead of the May 2027 municipal elections. The clear objective is to create a united front that enables the left to govern Santa Cruz and address existing inequalities.
Organisers stress that “this assembly is a first step towards listening to the community and building a fairer city from the ground up.” They assert that “unity is not just an electoral strategy, but a tool to guarantee rights, redistribute resources, and ensure no neighbourhood is left behind.”
The meeting is described as an open, participatory, and inclusive space, where the voices of neighbourhoods will play a key role in shaping the city’s future.
