Miguel Andújar: "If it's not paid, the Tran Tran is unlikely to happen this year"
Intervención doesn’t pay
The Tuineje Town Hall faces a crucial day on Tuesday, trying to resolve the serious payment arrears that have been dragging on for months and threaten to paralyse municipal management.
Socialist councillor and local PSOE secretary‑general Miguel Andújar told La Voz de Fuerteventura on Radio Insular that the root of the problem lies in the criteria set by the Interventor, which leaves numerous SMEs unpaid for work already performed – including services for the Tran Tran Clown Festival.
On the same Tuesday, the local PP group warned in a press release that the municipality could lose a €10,000 tourism‑grant from the Patronato de Turismo because the expenses of the previous edition had not been properly justified. In that vein, popular spokesperson Esther Hernández went further, accusing the governing coalition of “lack of management” and sowing doubts about the festival’s continuity.
In the interview, Andújar flatly rejected that version and defended the planning that had taken place:
“The festival last year was carried out, it was tendered and it was carried out. The tourism promotion by the Cabildo was also done.”
He admitted, however, that the core issue is that the payments have not materialised:
“Since Intervención has not paid, obviously those who performed the Tran‑Tran have not been paid.”
Because the money has not been disbursed, the council could not justify the use of the grant to the Cabildo:
“If you haven’t paid yet, you can’t justify that subsidy… it is normal that the Cabildo tells you those €10,000 will not be given to you.”
“The political order is that it be paid”
Andújar stressed that the governing coalition’s will is clear:
“The political order of the Government Group and the Mayor’s Office is that it be paid. The work has been done, it has been carried out. Not only the Tran‑Tran, but every single area.”
He blamed the stalemate on the Interventor’s interpretation of minor‑contract rules – she insists that everything must go to tender, from celebrations to sound equipment and hardware purchases. According to the councillor, this stance is unworkable in daily administration:
“What happens in the meantime, while the specifications are being drafted? Do we shut the town hall down? Do we stop doing all the things the neighbours ask for?”
Andújar highlighted the damage this creates, especially for the small and medium enterprises that supply the council.
The future of Tran Tran in doubt
Uncertainty about the next edition of the Tran Tran festival is growing. No dates have been announced yet, although the Culture Department says it is “working so that it can take place.” While Andújar noted that the festival is not his direct responsibility, he acknowledged the difficulties:
“If they didn’t get paid last year… it’s complicated that they will come.”
He stopped short of confirming a cancellation but admitted that the governing team is worried:
“I am concerned because, obviously, I already told you before, even about the light bulbs. If the invoices we acquired three, four, five months ago are not paid, how will the bulb seller keep selling us?”
A decisive meeting
Pending invoices continue to pile up, affecting every area of municipal management. Andújar said he does not know the exact total, but the problem is widespread.
A meeting scheduled for today between municipal technicians and the Interventor will be decisive in setting the immediate course. The governing coalition is demanding clear procedural guidelines:
“It is from the Government Group that we asked the Interventor to state the procedures. We will look for a solution.”