A former president of the Gran Canaria Council, José Manuel Soria López, expressed his desire for a new political era led by Onalia Bueno and Carlos Sánchez, whom he considers to be two prime examples of political indecency on the island.
Soria, the ex-mayor of Las Palmas, came under scrutiny 21 years ago for his involvement in a scandal dubbed the “Salmon case,” which involved accepting a private jet invitation from a Norwegian businessman while processing significant permits for him. The case was dismissed by the courts on the grounds that there was no bribery since the plane would have flown regardless.
During a recent council meeting, Soria openly acknowledged the trip, which included a stop in Salzburg for a music festival. Three months before, the businessman had requested a declaration of general interest for a development project.
Despite his controversial past, Soria has endorsed two protégés for leadership positions in the Gran Canaria Council. Bueno, the mayor of Mogán, and Sánchez, a national MP and former councillor for Urbanism in Santa Brígida, have been marked by significant scandals. Sánchez has faced multiple accusations related to his public management but emerged unscathed, a scenario that raises eyebrows given his questionable decisions, including tax exemptions and questionable planning approvals.
Sánchez’s financial disclosures show that he earned significant dividends from a company he manages and a substantial salary from a contractor that frequently works with Gran Canaria’s council. Recently, the contractor was awarded a nearly £300,000 contract for external lighting for the Casa de Colón.
Onalia Bueno’s political past is even more turbulent, notably during her time in the PP and her involvement in the “Góndola case,” which revolved around malpractices tied to local developers. She has faced serious legal challenges, including two police detentions related to vote-buying scandals. Despite this, she has successfully navigated her political career, breaking away from the PP to establish her own party which she plans to run in the upcoming elections.
The ex-mayor of Mogán continues to garner electoral support, attracting mixed feelings within the party, which fears the impact of her controversial actions. Soria praises her, recognising the power of the council in tourism, environmental issues, and social policies.
As Soria champions Sánchez and Bueno for leadership roles, questions remain about whether they can manage the responsibilities of such a pivotal institution with integrity. The story of Gran Canaria politics is far from over, and their ascent could mean more scrutiny ahead.
