Manuel Domínguez expresses gratitude for the Aragón president’s support and confirms national PP backing for legislative reforms
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 12 February (EUROPA PRESS) –
The spokesperson for the Government of the Canary Islands, Alfonso Cabello, cautioned on Monday that the archipelago “cannot afford to wait any longer” to enhance care for unaccompanied migrant minors and has called on the central government to approve a decree to amend article 172 of the Civil Code, allowing for mandatory distribution among all autonomous communities.
During a press conference to announce the Government Council’s decisions, he stressed the need for a “firm response” and dismissed any further excuses, pointing out that the central government has already sanctioned 138 decree laws at the national level.
In this context, he questioned how the attention towards unaccompanied migrant minors could be overlooked when the amnesty law, which is already being processed, is considered beneficial for the country.
Cabello also disclosed that a communication was approved on Monday, incorporating contributions from parliamentary groups excluding Vox, and has been submitted to Parliament for debate by the end of this month at the regional Chamber.
Furthermore, it will be forwarded to the Congress of Deputies, with an explicit invitation for spokespersons to visit the Canary Islands to gain a “first-hand” understanding of the minors’ situation.
The primary objective of the communication is “to safeguard and promote the rights of minors, irrespective of their nationality or immigration status,” based on the internationally and nationally recognized System for the Protection of Children and Adolescents.
It is considered imperative to “establish a coherent and effective legal framework ensuring that unaccompanied migrant minors are treated in accordance with their rights, guaranteeing their access to protection and appropriate care.”
The current number of minors, as per the Canary Islands Government, “renders it unfeasible” to fulfil these guardianship duties, including “social integration.”
As an alternative to decree law approval, the Executive is proposing other legislative amendments, which are “more onerous, complex, and time-consuming” as they entail modifications to organic laws, necessitating processing and endorsement by an absolute majority in Congress and the Senate.
Specifically, amendments to the Immigration Law, the Legal Protection of Minors Law, and the Immigration Decree would be required.
Addressing the agreements with autonomous communities to distribute the 347 minors, as per the October agreement, he noted that while there is a certain dynamism in the matter and a significant exchange of documentation, the process “is not expedient” given the urgent need faced by the Canary Islands. For instance, in January alone, 902 minors arrived.
He acknowledged the willingness of Aragón, Galicia, and Madrid to accommodate minors but once again stressed the necessity to “alter the rules of engagement,” transitioning from solidarity to shared responsibility.
NO FORMAL INFORMATION REGARDING TRIP TO MAURITANIA
Similarly, when asked about the trip of President Pedro Sánchez and the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, to Mauritania, he confirmed the absence of official information beyond the media-disclosed cooperation aid package exceeding 500 million.
Cabello highlighted the EU’s “top-level” involvement in the case of Mauritania and expressed “concern” over the emerging political instability in Senegal, following the suspension of elections and ensuing street unrest.
The vice president of the Canary Islands Government, Manuel Domínguez (PP), reiterated that “the Canary Islands cannot endure any further” and urgently requires attention and aid, as there are inadequate facilities to care for minors “as per their needs” or to guarantee their integration programmes.
He appreciated the Aragón president, Jorge Azcón, keeping his promise that despite the refusal by Vox – a coalition partner – his autonomous community will receive minors from the islands, and reiterated the PP’s “national support” for the necessary legislative amendments to be approved in the Cortes.
Domínguez elaborated that a PNL along those lines was being approved in the Senate that very Monday and wryly remarked that “what else is needed” apart from him advocating a legislative initiative from the Canary Islands only for it to be stalled at the national level. “I don’t need to boast; it’s an unspoken decision,” he added.
