The PSOE of Cantabria has expressed strong criticism of the regional government's recent decision to sell land in Santander to a private developer. Ainoa Quiñones, spokesperson for the PSOE's Executive Committee in Cantabria, stated that the government is demonstrating a lack of understanding by making such sales at the expense of local residents.
Quiñones made these remarks in response to comments made by María José Sáenz de Buruaga, who has recently attempted to clarify her previous statements regarding the housing and facilities project known as Bosques de Santander. She accused the government of prematurely promoting a project that appears to favour private interests over community needs.
“The Cantabria government is acting like ambassadors for a private developer who intends to speculate on rustic land in Santander,” Quiñones said.
She further noted that Buruaga has contradicted her earlier claims, suggesting that the PSIR (Plan for the Integration of Residential Development) she announced would mitigate the impact on the homes in Rucandial. Quiñones described this as a clear indication that the government lacks a coherent plan and is merely attempting to sell Cantabria's land to the highest bidder.
Expressing solidarity with the residents of Rucandial, Quiñones lamented that they are now facing the threat of displacement due to the speculative ambitions of the Partido Popular (PP). She emphasised that the government's focus seems to be on facilitating urban development for private investors rather than protecting the rights of local residents.
“This is not about doing what is humanly and technically possible to save as many homes as possible; it is about stopping this nonsense and allowing the residents of Rucandial to live peacefully without fear of speculation,” she asserted.
In conclusion, Quiñones condemned the PP for prioritising the interests of private investors over the rights of local communities, stating that the government is launching two PSIRs aimed solely at selling Cantabria to private investment funds.
