The Lanzarote branch of the Popular Party (PP) is facing significant internal turmoil following a string of leadership disputes. After navigating a less than stellar performance in last local elections, the PP re-entered local government in Arrecife and Teguise. However, tensions quickly escalated when Astrid Pérez resigned from her role in the Arrecife City Council amid a heated clash with Coalición Canaria spokesperson Echedey Eugenio.
Pérez’s decision to nominate Yonathan de León as mayor backfired when she publicly accused him of disloyalty for failing to acknowledge her contributions during her previous term. This drama was compounded by the removal of De León’s ally, Jacobo Medina, from key leadership positions within the party.
The situation worsened with discussions about establishing a management committee to oversee the party, which Pérez had aimed to avoid, as she preferred to leave the presidency with dignity. The suggestion of José Valle, president of the Chamber of Commerce, as a unifying candidate for an upcoming congress in November sparked further chaos, leading the regional party leadership to suspend planned meetings and the proposed congress amid signs of widespread discontent.
Despite the upheaval, Pérez remains the President of the Canary Islands Parliament and a crucial MP as the current legislative term continues.
Overall, the Lanzarote PP finds itself in unexpected disarray, with the recent developments concerning Valle pushing the party’s unresolved issues to the forefront. The path forward remains uncertain, particularly as upcoming elections in May loom large, with the prospects of a management committee likely benefiting few, except those who endure the current fallout.
