LA LAGUNA (TENERIFE), 31st May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The secretary general of Podemos, Ione Belarra, expressed on Friday that the access to housing in the Canary Islands is deemed as “unacceptable.” This is why she has proposed advocating within the EU for the prohibition of property purchases for non-residents and ‘vulture funds’ to prevent speculation.
During her statements to the press, accompanied by the national representative and regional coordinator, Noemí Santana, she highlighted that her party will be actively working in Europe through Irene Montero, who has introduced a special measure for the Canary archipelago.
“On the 9th of June, we have an opportunity to elevate the left against a completely indignant right,” she stated.
She acknowledged that she is fully aware of the current challenges in the Canary Islands, as the natural and economic resources of the islands are depleting. She described the situation akin to “a colony,” where “75% of the income flows out.” She emphasised, “People toil in the Canary Islands, enabling others to amass wealth,” deeming it as “unacceptable” that all citizens do not have equal rights in Spain.
Belarra also urged the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, to promptly enforce the national housing law as it allows for the regulation of rental prices, along with a complete halt on new tourist accommodations.
Furthermore, she demanded the suspension of developments such as the ‘Cuna del Alma’ tourist project and the La Tejita hotel, labelling these projects as “urban planning abnormalities,” reminiscent of the 1990s. “The pathway of corruption, speculation, and massive construction on land that is a natural wonder cannot persist,” she added.
Santana mentioned that Podemos aims to be a “voice” for the 20A mobilisations in the institutions to ensure that their demands are realised, encompassing “shared issues” nationwide including touristification and housing accessibility challenges.
