The PSOE of El Paso has issued a press release expressing concern over how the Coalición Canaria governing group is handling the cultural program. While acknowledging the initiative's interest, they warn that “a good idea cannot serve as an excuse to bypass the most basic administrative procedures in the management of public resources”.
Among the irregularities highlighted, the socialists point out that the “Aromas de Cine” cycle began in November 2025, but the contract was not formalized until February 2026, several months after the activity had started. Furthermore, the PSOE believes the file presents “serious doubts” regarding the contracting method, as a prolonged activity, in their opinion, “does not fit the definition of a minor contract”.
The councilors also criticize the full payment of the contract, valued at 14,980 euros, before the cycle's completion. This payment was made in two transactions on the same day, after objections were lifted by the Municipal Audit Office. “100% of a service that has not yet been fully executed has been paid, eliminating any guarantee of its correct provision,” they state.
The City Council itself has advertised ticket sales for this activity, but there is no record of public price approval, nor that these revenues are being managed through the municipal treasury.
The main problem, according to the PSOE, lies in the management of ticket sales revenue. The socialists question who is collecting these tickets, where this money is, and what control the Municipal Audit Office has exercised over these funds. They warn that if these revenues are not subject to public control, it could be a “very serious” situation, with funds generated from a municipal activity outside of fiscalization procedures, potentially constituting a “hidden concession”.
What cannot happen is for the City Council to finance an activity with public money and, at the same time, have a box office with no control over the income it generates.
The PSOE has assured that it will continue to exercise rigorous control to ensure that every euro of El Paso citizens is managed with the utmost transparency and rigor.
