SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 22nd May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The full session of the Canary Islands Parliament has given the go-ahead to the law aimed at reconstructing La Palma following the volcanic eruption. The law is based on a decree law that was validated by the Chamber in January.
The new law includes the establishment of the Council for the Economic and Social Recovery of La Palma, which will serve as a platform for dialogue, information, and consultation involving the representative bodies of those affected by the volcanic eruption.
Individuals affected in areas where the lava flow is less than 10 meters thick (green zone) are permitted to start reconstruction with prior planning consent. However, in areas where the thickness exceeds 10 meters, a mandatory positive report from the Cabildo de La Palma (yellow zone) confirming that the lava has cooled is required.
Construction in the red zone, located closest to the areas of lava emission, is subject to pending approval until the delineation of protected natural spaces is completed.
Additionally, affected individuals are given the option to rebuild their primary residences, second homes, and holiday homes on different plots across the island, including rural land.
Alicia Vanoostende (PSOE) expressed her disappointment with the final text, lamenting the missed opportunity for the Government and Parliament to adopt a more modern and orderly approach to planning. She highlighted that the government should have prioritised environmental concerns and the public interest, instead of making unilateral decisions endorsed by CC with the tacit approval of the PP. “It’s nonsensical,” she remarked.
Luis Campos, spokesperson for NC-BC, also views the law as a lost chance to reshape La Palma’s future. He criticised government groups for not supporting the reconstruction consortium and opposed the permission for building second homes and holiday residences on agricultural and protected rural land.
Paula Jover (Vox) requested that all procurement processes be expedited through an emergency procedure to shorten timelines and give precedence to the applications. She also warned against disparities in treatment and urban speculation.
Clear and Unambiguous Regulations
The spokesperson for the Mixed Group, Raúl Acosta (AHI), acknowledged that the process had been somewhat cumbersome but highlighted that it would provide a solid legal framework for commencing the island’s reconstruction with transparent and unequivocal regulations.
Jesús Ramos (ASG) appreciated the productive nature of the bill presentation as it lays the groundwork for the economic and social recovery of the island in line with sectoral decrees to be endorsed by the Chamber.
Jacob Qadri (PP) conceded that the recovery was not progressing as desired and that not all affected individuals were content. However, he expressed hope that it would mark the initial stage in restoring optimism and vigour, stressing that the law must remain adaptable and not a definitive solution.
Diana Lorenzo from the Nationalist Group praised the approval of the bill in contrast to the superficial gestures and rhetoric promoted by the ‘Flower Pact,’ revealing that the forthcoming consortium would be incorporated into the impending volcano legislation.
She also accused the socialists of causing unnecessary panic among the affected individuals through sensationalism and shallow demagoguery.
