Spokesperson Alfonso Cabello does not deem the military facilities proposed by the Ministry of Defence in La Laguna as appropriate for accommodating minors.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 9 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The spokesperson for the Canary Islands Government, Alfonso Cabello, expressed his optimism on Monday ahead of the meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Tenerife between the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, and the President of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo. He hopes it will provide a “significant impetus” for the overhaul of the immigration legislation, facilitating the compulsory referral of unaccompanied migrant minors.
During a press conference to outline the decisions made by the Government Council, he remarked that the meeting is “favourable” as it affords the Executive the “chance” to inform “directly” the leading party in Congress, which governs the majority of the autonomous regions, about “the current situation in the Canary Islands.”
In this context, Cabello anticipates that “solutions” will take centre stage in the discussions, and that the revision of the immigration law—which the Canarian Executive considers the “sole avenue”—will gain the backing of 308 deputies in the Lower House.
He underscored that they are still “awaiting” the central government’s decision on determining the quota of minors each autonomous community is able to accommodate, a key demand from the PP for their support of the proposal, along with the provision of ample financial resources, the declaration of a migration emergency to facilitate contracts, and the convening of a Conference of Presidents to elucidate management to the autonomous territories.
At present, he has admitted that there has been “no response” from the national Executive to Clavijo’s request to engage in discussions with the PP and Junts to finalise an agreement.
Cabello also took the opportunity during his press appearance to urge the Council of Ministers on Tuesday to ratify a budget of 150 million euros to reimburse the Canary Islands for the expenses incurred in caring for unaccompanied migrant minors, highlighting that the previously planned 50 million euros—calculated based on 2022 figures—are “inadequate.”
In this vein, he pointed out that this year “no funding” has been received for the care of minors, making the need for resources “urgent.”
When asked about the Ministry of Defence’s offer of the El Cristo barracks and Tabares powder magazine, both located in La Laguna, he stated that “they do not seem the most suitable” given that both establishments are unfit to accommodate anyone “with dignity.”
Simultaneously, he explained that the central government is “misleading the discussion” as “it is not a matter of continuing to open centres” but about ensuring their rights and inclusion, which requires “working in a stable and structured manner” through legislative reform. “There are already 81 centres; what is the maximum capacity? On which island?” he questioned.
The spokesperson further mentioned that the latest arrivals in the archipelago—84 throughout September—”are being properly taken care of” under “guardianship and custody,” adhering to what was agreed upon in the Government Council, which demanded that the State honour the protocols established in 2014.
“Currently, there is no decree addressing abandonment that provides effective protection, and right now, the focus is on ensuring their care, guaranteeing all necessary provisions for these minors,” he clarified.
