SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 28th February (EUROPA PRESS) –
Today, the Plenary Session of the Canary Islands Parliament approved a Non-Law Proposition by NC-BC, with the PSOE abstaining and Vox voting against. This proposition requests debt forgiveness based on adjusted population criteria. With 1,980 Euros per inhabitant in consideration (data from 2021), the total forgiveness would amount to 4,385 million Euros.
The socialists proposed an amendment to consider underfunding of communities as a criterion, but this was rejected by NC-BC. They argued for the need for a “homogeneous” parameter for negotiations.
NC-BC spokesperson, Luis Campos, pointed out the 15,000 million Euros of debt forgiveness for Catalonia as per the PSOE-ERC agreement, indicating that this principle should extend to all autonomous communities.
Campos stressed the importance of establishing a clear position from the Chamber, based on an “objective and rigorous criterion”. According to the Canaristas, forgiveness should be tied to adjusted population, resulting in 4,385 million Euros forgiven for the Canary Islands.
He also noted that the Canary Islands have less debt compared to other regions, around 7,000 million Euros, with only 20% affected by the Autonomous Liquidity Fund (FLA), as the region had better market financing conditions.
Manuel Hernández (PSOE) praised the willingness of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to support the regions and acknowledged the positive impact of debt forgiveness, especially in reducing interest payments and enhancing financial stability for public services.
Raúl Acosta (AHI) commented on the favouritism towards Catalonia in debt relief discussions and urged for more consideration before a final decision is made.
Melodie Mendoza (ASG) stressed the importance of clarifying the scope of debt relief and advocated for the inclusion of all debts, not limited to the FLA, while supporting the use of the adjusted population criterion.
VOX Accuses of Bias for Catalan Independentists
Vox spokesperson Nicasio Galván accused the debt forgiveness initiative as a ploy to favour Catalan separatists, stressing the need for unity and equality among all Spaniards. He criticised the isolation of Vox in its dissenting vote, stating, “Only Vox remains.”
Fernando Enseñat (PP) supported the use of adjusted population criterion for debt forgiveness, but criticised the exclusivity of negotiations with Catalonia. He described the subsequent offers to other regions as inadequate and burdensome.
José Miguel Barragán, representative of CC, highlighted the complexity of full debt financing and suggested the consideration of additional criteria alongside adjusted population.
He also noted the need for patience before finalising a stance, as discussions with the ministry are pending. “We should hear from the minister first,” he remarked.
