The spokesperson for the PP in Arrecife, Eli Merino, has expressed her surprise at María Jesús Tovar's announcement as a potential candidate for the presidency of the party without the current president, Astrid Pérez, having made a statement.
The spokesperson for the Popular Party in the Arrecife City Council, Eli Merino, expressed her discomfort this Thursday regarding María Jesús Tovar's strategy, the general secretary of the PP in Lanzarote, by announcing her possible candidacy for the presidency of the party without the current leader, Astrid Pérez, revealing her plans. In an interview on the programme "A Buena Hora" on Crónicas Radio, Merino described the move as "surprising" and stated that, as long as Pérez does not make a statement, she maintains her support for the president.
A decision that divides the PP of Lanzarote
"I was enormously surprised that she confronted the current president without her having made a statement," declared Merino, who believes Tovar's gesture breaks internal loyalty. The councillor assured that if Astrid Pérez decides to run for re-election at the congress scheduled for after the summer, she will have her vote. "For me, she is the president of the PP," she concluded.
The mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León, also intervened in the same programme and hinted that Pérez was not aware of her general secretary's move. This lack of communication has created a rift in the party, which faces a crucial congress to define its leadership on the island. Merino, for her part, called for caution: "We must wait for our president to say whether she will run or not."
The future of the party at stake
Tovar's possible candidacy, who until now was the party's number two, has opened an internal debate about Pérez's continuity, who has been at the helm of the Lanzarote PP for years. Merino recalled the current president's trajectory and emphasised that "she has my utmost support." However, she did not close the door to other options if Pérez ultimately resigns: "If she does not run and Tovar or anyone else does, we will see."
For PP members in Lanzarote, the situation generates uncertainty. The congress, which will be held after the summer, will decide who leads the party heading into the next elections. In the meantime, Merino's statements reflect the internal tension and the need for a clear definition from Astrid Pérez. "If she runs, I will definitely vote for her," reiterated the spokesperson.
A saga that is not new
Internal struggles within the Canary Islands PP are not a novelty. In recent years, the party has experienced several congress processes marked by disputes between factions. In Lanzarote, the struggle between Pérez and Tovar could redefine the balance of power. Meanwhile, voters observe with scepticism. "Let’s hope this doesn’t affect municipal management," commented a resident of Arrecife, who preferred not to give their name.
Next week, Astrid Pérez is expected to break her silence. Until then, the party holds its breath. Merino, at least, has already made her position clear: loyalty to the president, but with eyes open to what comes next.
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