Government of Gran Canaria

Although under Spanish authority, Gran Canaria has its own Government and special status within the EEC. King Carlos and Queen Sofia represent the Spanish monarchy; their son Prince Felipe is heir to the throne.

Even before the Canary Islands were declared a single province of Spain in 1821, competition for primacy between the two main islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria) had long been intense.

In the new Constitution of 1978 Spain created the status of Autonomous Region for the Canary Islands, which means in practice that the archipelago is not completely separated from Spain but that island government does have a great deal of freedom with regard to dealings with internal island affairs.

In 1982 the Canary Islands saw finally their autonomy come true. Santa Cruz de Tenerife (for the western islands) and Las Palmas (for the eastern islands) jointly conduct the government. Las Palmas has half of the regional government departments and the Parliament and its governor is appointed by Madrid. The Parliament with 60 delegates always meets in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Gran Canaria, as third largest island, has 15 members in the Canary Parliament, organ that, besides its legislative role, sets island budgets and names representatives to take affairs to the mainland.

All islands have their own Island Council (Cabildo Insular) with certain powers of self-government and assuming responsibility for the running of local services. Then the islands are divided into municipalities (Municipios), which is presided by a mayor (Alcalde) with seat in the town hall (Ayuntamiento). Out of the 77 municipalities of all islands together Gran Canaria has 21.

All islands have their own Island Council (Cabildo Insular) with certain powers of self-government and assuming responsibility for the running of local services. Then the islands are divided into municipalities (Municipios), which is presided by a mayor (Alcalde) with seat in the town hall (Ayuntamiento). Out of the 77 municipalities of all islands together Gran Canaria has 21.