The PSOE party in Arrecife has called for the resignation of Mayor Yonathan de León following a report from the town hall’s general secretary regarding the appointment of his brother as a local police officer. The report indicates a violation of the duty to abstain and raises concerns about the appointment’s potential invalidity.
According to the PSOE, the general secretary believes it is necessary to evaluate the legal implications of the decision through a review procedure, which can examine the legality of administrative actions and potentially annul them.
The party also highlighted the mayor’s direct involvement in a Human Resources matter that was meant to be handled by a councillor. The report expresses “deep concern” over this action and the failure to adhere to established legal procedures.
Socialist spokesperson Cristina Duque criticised the timing of the legal report, which was requested only after the mayor approved the appointment. “It’s the first time someone has asked for a report from a secretary to confirm that nepotism in a public institution is wrong,” she stated.
The PSOE believes the report’s conclusions warrant political accountability and insists the mayor should step down, asserting that municipal management must ensure impartiality, transparency, and adherence to regulations.
Duque questioned whether the controversy could be resolved through other municipal initiatives, declaring, “This issue is so unpleasant that it can’t be fixed with a new local event.”
This situation echoes a previous controversy involving Ángel Vázquez, who was removed from his position as CEO of the Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism (CACT) after a legal report suggested he should have abstained from a selection process that led to his son’s employment. Vázquez stepped down from the CEO role but continues to hold a council position and receive 75% of his salary.
