SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
Today, Wednesday, the Parliament of the Canary Islands unanimously voted to establish an investigative commission, following a proposal from the Canary Nationalist and Popular parties, to delve into the “Torres case.” This aims to shed light on any political accountabilities that may arise from the irregularities in the procurement of medical supplies during the covid-19 pandemic under the administration of Ángel Víctor Torres.
Deputy José Alberto Díaz-Estébanez, representing the Canarian Nationalist Group, justified the need for this commission due to the “numerous and very serious irregularities” that occurred during the pandemic. These irregularities were not merely suspicions, but rather established facts, supported not only by the media but also by police investigations leading to reports to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and the European Prosecutor’s Office. These findings were further reinforced by previous reports from the Audit of Accounts that were inexplicably censored.
José Alberto Díaz-Estébanez highlighted that the previous Government, headed by Ángel Víctor Torres, had already been cautioned about these alleged irregularities. A formal request for an investigative commission was submitted fifteen months ago, wherein the Socialist Party not only rejected the proposal but also prevented any discussion by unprecedented means, without even considering the provided evidence.
He also condemned the current Government under the Pact of Flowers, claiming that they adamantly denied any wrongdoing and went as far as saying that everything was impeccably executed, attributing any discrepancies to personal vendettas and incompetence. He further criticised the former Podemos advisor, Noemí Santana, who publicly expressed doubts about the investigative commission and abstained from voting, portraying a lack of solidarity towards her colleagues.
On the other hand, Deputy Luz Reverón (PP) welcomed the establishment of the investigative commission, particularly in response to some members of the Socialist Party who arrogated transparency. She highlighted the irony of the PSOE’s sudden change of heart, now supporting the commission due to altered parliamentary majorities, rather than genuine intentions.
Luz Reverón also ridiculed the current minister, Ángel Víctor Torres, for claiming transparency after his Government was embroiled in a scandal involving the alleged misappropriation of public funds amounting to around 46 million Euros in the purchase of health supplies during the pandemic.
Nicasio Galván, the spokesperson for the Vox Group, endorsed the formation of the investigative commission, stressing the importance of uncovering corruption, especially within the PSOE. He urged all involved parties to address the citizens of the Canary Islands with honesty and accountability.
