Clavijo and Domínguez urge to “listen to the EU” and do not dismiss the Italian approach of establishing centres for migrants in third countries
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 15th October (EUROPA PRESS) –
The regional governments of the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands have united today in calling for “leadership” and “coordination” from the central Government to tackle the migration crisis affecting both archipelagos and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
This was emphasised by the presidents of the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, Fernando Clavijo (CC) and Marga Prohens (PP), along with the Canarian vice president, Manuel Domínguez (PP), who appreciated the significance of this working meeting, which highlighted common issues that both territories face, such as immigration, connectivity, and the fair distribution of wealth generated by tourism.
Clavijo remarked that the migratory situation in the four island territories “is a singular one”, and highlighted that the central government has failed to meet its responsibilities for “coordination”, even delaying the Conference of Presidents. “We need to disentangle politics from institutions,” he added.
He called for these meetings to be held “more frequently” since the autonomous communities administer the territory and manage “over 70% of the welfare state”, citing the importance of defending, for instance, the 75% discount for residents, stressing that connectivity “is essential.”
Additionally, he addressed waste management, noting the differences between the policies in the island territories compared to the Peninsula and coastal areas, asserting that in the Canary Islands, the transfer process “was very subdued” and that it is “illogical” to engage in “litigation” with the State as it “creates uncertainty.”
Clavijo underscored that the archipelago is reliant on “tourism” but believes that the wealth it generates should be returned “in a more equitable manner” to ensure that residents “do not feel alien” in their own land, establishing compatibility between “tourist success and residency.”
He expressed his “significant concern” over the ongoing debate regarding regional financing, as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands represent “distinct realities”, leading to “confusion” about “what actions will be taken.”
“We cannot accept first- and second-class communities, as the phenomenon of emptying in Spain could be exacerbated,” he stated.
Domínguez demanded a “comprehensive migration policy” from the central Government to address the crisis faced by the Canary Islands and other Mediterranean-bordering regions, including the Balearic Islands, while advocating for attentiveness to the EU’s stance.
CC AND PP, “COORDINATED” ON MIGRATION ISSUES
In this context, he has opened the door to considering the “model” adopted by Italy of creating centres for migrants in third countries, a strategy allowed under immigration law concerning unaccompanied minors, a notion that President Clavijo acknowledged. “Our Government is coordinated,” he remarked.
The vice president expressed that he does not fully rely on the EU to assist the Canary Islands with the migration crisis, yet has recently noted the “readiness” of the European Commission and Frontex to support matters of prevention, financial aid, political asylum, and the referral of minors.
“We must continue to insist that we listen to Europe more closely to ensure this aid accelerates and aids in managing the migration crisis,” he stressed.
Prohens emphasised the collaborative determination of both governments to address “current and forthcoming challenges”, particularly highlighting the “humanitarian crisis” faced by the Canary Islands, which “is unparalleled” compared to other autonomous communities.
Nonetheless, he pointed out that the Balearic Islands are also beginning to “struggle” as the “southern border” of the EU, with a reported 50% increase in migrant arrivals this year, including over 400 minors, which is three times last year’s total.
This situation has resulted in “extremely concerning overcrowding” within the reception system, currently operating at 850% of its capacity, leading him to assert that “a shift in immigration policy is required”, stating that it is not only a matter of distribution, since the reception system “has reached its limit”. “We do not possess the capacity to accommodate everyone with dignity,” he commented.
In his view, “it is less about solidarity and more about capacity”, given that the limited resources of communities “were not constructed for such an emergency.”
This viewpoint has garnered support from the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office, which issued a “very clear statement” asserting that the State “cannot dissociate itself” from migration, which falls under its jurisdiction when it comes to adults.
“RISING DISCONTENT” REGARDING TOURISM
He explained that residents of the Balearic Islands feel “proud” to inhabit a tourist community, but stressed that they cannot remain “passive” while observing how “record figures” in tourist occupancy and spending “fail to translate into residents’ well-being.”
He acknowledged a “growing discontent” among the island’s population, hence why his Government has proposed to spearhead discussions with all stakeholders about the “containment” of the tourism model. “We cannot continue to increase volume; we must address limits,” he stated.
In this regard, he highlighted that they have initiated a “political and social pact for sustainability” involving over 140 entities to implement “bold measures” ensuring a model of well-being throughout the archipelago.
He also suggested that it is always beneficial to continue advocating for the resident discount, which is “periodically called into question”, as well as emphasising the necessity for “greater oversight” of airlines to ensure they “effectively contribute to reducing costs.”
Prohens concluded his address by stating that “there exists an emptied Spain and a filled one”, emphasising that in the specific cases of the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, they represent the “filling Spain,” facing numerous ongoing challenges.
