Socialist councilwoman Patricia Hernández argued that, following the Government of the Canary Islands' decision not to declare it a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC), there are no longer excuses to comply with the Historical Memory laws. She reproached the other groups for their "permanent obstructionism" and the use of "far-fetched excuses" and judicial appeals.
From Vox, councilman Luis de los Reyes Sosa maintained that the sculptural complex is a "monument to peace" according to the Juan de Ávalos Foundation, and that it does not violate current laws as it contains no elements exalting the regime. He pointed out that the figure of "a young man holding a sword" is anonymous and that its author, Juan de Ávalos, was "purged" for being a socialist and republican.
Zaida González (PP) agreed that Ávalos's work is a "monument to peace" and that its author was repressed by Francoism. She added that the PSOE "uses Francoist memory for its own interest" to "divide the population".
José Alberto Díaz Estébanez (CC) described the socialist proposal as a "public's trump card" and stated that his party's stance has always been to comply with the law "in its strict terms and conditions." He considered immediate removal "not possible" and alluded to the complex's heritage value, estimated at "50 million euros."
The mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasized that the City Council will comply with the law "as it is written." He explained that removing the monument requires the approval and publication of a new catalog of Francoist vestiges, following the judicial annulment of the previous one, and a Canarian memory strategy. He asserted that, officially, the monument "is not a Francoist vestige" as there is no official declaration from the Government of the Canary Islands or the Ministry of Democratic Memory.
The mayor also mentioned that the City Council has reports supporting "artistic values to be protected" in the sculptural complex, which creates "doubt" about its artistic value, regardless of whether it is considered an exaltation of Francoism. He added that "what it represents is a tribute to Franco's victory," but insisted on the lack of official certification and criticized the PSOE's "shortcuts."
