The Prime Minister arrives on July 28 at La Mareta with his family and leaves on August 30, but the 30 GRS agents assigned to his security still have no accommodation and are on a daily allowance of 77 euros.
Pedro Sánchez's arrival in Lanzarote for his summer holidays has revealed a new episode of what sources from the Civil Guard describe as "total lack of foresight." While the president will enjoy free accommodation at La Mareta from July 28 to August 30, the 30 agents from the Rural Security Groups (GRS) responsible for his protection have no hotel booked and must manage with a daily allowance of 77 euros for lodging and three meals.
An impossible allowance during peak season
According to sources familiar with the operation, the search for accommodation for the agents has encountered a lack of official communication that would allow for reservations. "If a reservation is made and then the dates change due to the president's schedule, who will cover the costs?" they ask. With 77 euros a day, finding a hotel in Lanzarote in August is almost a mission impossible, and only the goodwill of the owners could save the situation.
The situation repeats itself "year after year," according to the same sources, and no one seems willing to find a solution. The agents, who carry out their mission "regardless of the party in power," deserve respect and should not be left "at the mercy of improvisation."
A retinue of 13 people and million-euro expenses
This is not the first time that the costs of Sánchez's holidays in Lanzarote have sparked controversy. Last year, the government spent 11,322 euros on accommodation and 22,711 euros on meals at La Mareta, according to data provided through the Transparency Portal. On that occasion, the president was accompanied by a retinue of 13 people: an advisor, five technicians from the Information Technology Unit, and seven service assistants. They were joined by security personnel, the number of which is not disclosed for security reasons.
This year, the number of GRS agents has risen to 30, although the total security operation could be larger. The government justifies these deployments as necessary to "ensure the normal development of institutional activities," but the agents on the ground report that the lack of foresight leaves them in a precarious situation.
The local angle: a problem for the island
For the residents of Lanzarote, Sánchez's arrival means a security operation that disrupts the routine in the La Mareta area, in the municipality of Yaiza. Moreover, the lack of accommodation for the agents could lead them to seek rooms in hotels on the island, competing with tourists during peak season. Police unions have already warned that this situation is "unsustainable" and are calling for the necessary resources to be provided so that the agents can rest adequately.
The Civil Guard, for its part, has assured that efforts are being made to resolve the issue, although internal sources acknowledge that the official communication has not yet arrived and that time is running out.
Meanwhile, Sánchez will enjoy more than a month of rest in one of the State's most coveted official residences, overlooking the Atlantic and without having to worry about hotel prices.
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