SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 9th of April (EUROPA PRESS) –
Today, the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, held a meeting in Madrid with Vice President and Minister of Finance and Public Function, María Jesús Montero, who has ensured the fulfillment of some commitments outlined in the Canary Islands’ agenda for this year, despite the extension of the General State Budgets (PGE). This includes the 60% personal income tax rebate for residents of La Palma and free public transport.
Speaking to the press, the President of the Canary Islands acknowledged that the budget extension is a “setback” but affirmed that progress is being made on the Canary Islands’ agenda. “We have a four-year timeline to execute it. While there is eagerness to resolve matters quickly, unfortunately they cannot be sorted out in 24 hours,” stated Fernando Clavijo. He remains optimistic that the 2025 Budgets will provide a boost to unresolved issues.
Clavijo emphasized that the meeting with Minister Montero has helped to clarify uncertainties arising from the extension of the PGE. Among the agreements reached, the 60% personal income tax rebate for La Palma will be included through an amendment to the Law that establishes the Independent Administrative Authority for the Defense of Financial Clients, to be resolved by next summer.
Additionally, in accordance with the modifications to article 35 of the Immigration Law, the Ministry of Youth and Children will cover the expenses related to the care of unaccompanied foreign minors being supported by the autonomous community. This cost amounted to around 120 million euros last year. The Ministry of Finance has already requested a certificate from the Canary Islands’ Government to justify this expenditure.
Addressing regional financing advances, Clavijo confirmed that the minister has assured their update “smoothly” despite the PGE extension, thereby avoiding any complications that would lead to withholdings totaling 168 million euros for the Canary Islands.
The meeting also reviewed various items in the 2023 Canary Islands budgets, such as the Poverty Alleviation Plan, the Employment Plan, and different training schemes. The President stated that it was agreed to monitor the transfer of these items to ensure they proceed normally, preventing any adverse impact on the autonomous community, as there are no legal obstacles that would hinder these transfers.
The President of the Canary Islands also raised the issue of making the spending rule more adaptable. An agreement was reached with the Ministry of Finance to continue sharing documentation to secure permission from European institutions for the Canary Islands to utilise the surplus in financially sustainable investments, as Fernando Clavijo believes that giving this money to banks would be “counterproductive.”
