Ana Juan Torres: “Having a progressive administration is a great advantage.”

Ana Juan Torres (Formentera, 1971) has become the Consell de Formentera‘s new president since last Friday, replacing Alejandra Ferrer in accordance with the governing alliance between her party, the PSOE, and Gent per Formentera (GxF). She will have 20 months in office during which she will be responsible for major initiatives such as the waste and public transportation contracts, among others.

You have just been chosen Consell President. What are your feelings?

It is a matter of pride not only for me, but also for the socialist party, which has reclaimed control of Formentera’s biggest institution after 28 years. Additionally, it is a huge obligation.

You are also the PSOE insular’s organizing secretary. What has changed in your party in recent years?

Numerous changes have occurred, and I am not speaking solely to the faces at the helm of the formation, such as Rafa Ramírez, secretary general, and with a reconstituted executive. While it is true that we had the worst results in the 2015 elections, four years later, we doubled our vote total. I believe that the socialist party in Formentera is reverting to its historical roots. I was analyzing data the other day and discovered that since there have been elections, the PSOE has won them all except for 1999, when it joined the COP. We cannot overlook the socialist party’s background and history on this island.

Have you been at ease in the government team during your 28 months as vice-president of the Consell?

Yes, it is quite comfortable. If we examine the results of the recent elections, we find that the people of Formentera are progressive, which necessitated the formation of a progressive government and the conclusion of the only viable partnership with Gent per Formentera. We needed to come to an agreement on how to work for the citizens.

What does this alteration imply for the institution as a whole?

Certain things change. Along with the offices, the vice-presidency changes, with Alejandra Ferrer assuming the position, and in addition to adopting the institution’s maximum representation, I assume the region of Equality. The change is significant, yet it is entirely natural. We struck a programmatic agreement for this legislative session. And, despite the pandemic’s disruption, we are proceeding with our plans. Additionally, there are the programs that will be used to introduce ourselves and them during the upcoming elections.

Until then, you have a total of twenty months ahead of you. What are your obstacles?

We must proceed with the agreed-upon programmatic accord. There are completed projects, some that have been begun and are progressing, and others that have come to a halt as a result of the pandemic’s forced rethinking of all our priorities. This prompted us to handle the health crisis, which was followed by the economic and social crises. For me, there are critical unresolved concerns such as the regulation of s’Estany des Peix, the regulation of anchorages throughout the island, the recovery of es Campament, and continuing to work toward a balanced, sustainable tourism that also provides mobility for all…. I could go on; there is still much work to be done, and I will be here to help drive it forward in the period remaining until the legislature’s conclusion.

Is it an advantage that you are a socialist and that your party also controls the government in order to accomplish these goals?

(He nods his head in agreement). I believe that having a progressive government in Formentera, as well as a socialist woman like Francina Armengol in the Balearic Islands, and that the State Government is also socialist, is a big advantage. I believe that by collaborating with the three governments, we can achieve benefits for our island.

What are your thoughts on the current state of maritime transit to and from Formentera?

In the summer, the maritime connection between Ibiza and Formentera supports an unsustainable number of daily frequencies. They pass through a Natural Park. The boats must adapt to our demands and progress toward sustainability, but most importantly, we must assure the mobility of all island residents throughout the year, with the first boat departing at 6 a.m. and returning at 22.30 a.m. Currently, shipping companies have committed to restoring this night schedule beginning tomorrow, but this must be worked out such that it is guaranteed by law and regulated year-round. Additionally, it is critical to complete the Maritime Transport decree, if feasible before the end of the legislative session.