Coalición Canaria decided to abstain, much to the surprise of those present at the Adeje municipal plenary session, in a motion brought forward by the only Vox councillor. The motion called for the rejection of the proposal for the distribution of unaccompanied minors put forth by the Spanish Government during the Sectoral Conference in July. It also demanded alternative measures that prioritise citizen security, as well as the implementation of an effective plan for the repatriation of unaccompanied foreign minors with their parents in their respective countries.
In addition, the motion put forward by the far-right party included points such as ending policies that attract migrants and sending a clear message that any immigrant entering Spain illegally will not be able to regularise their situation. It also proposed the elimination of all aid and social benefits for illegal immigrants who have entered the country in violation of Spanish laws.
The proposal was rejected by the 13 PSOE councillors, who form the governing group, and the lone councillor of Podemos.
INCONSISTENCY
The abstention of Coalición Canaria, which goes against the usual discourse of the nationalist party, both within the Government of the Canary Islands and in the Congress of Deputies, left many in the plenary hall perplexed. Even the mayor, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, inquired about the reasoning behind the vote to the spokesperson of Coalición Canaria, Alberto Melián, who confirmed the abstention. The sole councillor of the Popular Party also refrained from voting, aligning with the five CC councillors.
Sources within the leadership of Coalición Canaria admitted that it was a “mistake” to not reject Vox’s motion that linked migrant minors with criminal activities.
