Cristina Duque, the deputy secretary and spokesperson for the Lanzarote PSOE Executive Commission, has accused the Popular Party (PP) of attempting to distract from its corruption issues by casting doubt on the hiring of a company in which Ariagona González has a minority stake.
Duque claims the PP’s statements serve only to create a smokescreen ahead of an Extraordinary Plenary Session addressing the scandal involving Ángel Vázquez. She highlighted that Vázquez, along with Yonathan de León and Eli Merino, have sought to favour family members with appointments, which she believes has rattled the PP.
In response to the PP’s demand for accountability from the Socialist Party, Duque asserted that González’s declaration of assets clearly shows her minority role in her family business, which has always been transparent. She noted that González has not engaged in any bidding procedures as a councillor, nor has she submitted offers or signed contracts.
Duque stated that González’s family business has provided materials and services to nearly all public administrations on the island for thirty years, participating in public tenders with full transparency.
She concluded, “My colleague’s conduct is above reproach, unlike that of PP officials. It is despicable that those who should be explaining their actions are trying to shake our confidence.” Duque emphasized that the PSOE would continue to expose the PP’s corruption, despite the party’s attempts to undermine them during the upcoming plenary meeting.
