SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Jan. 2 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has reacted to the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres – who accused him of unjustly criticising the Government of Spain due to the lack of consensus on migration – and has also been “stern” with the PP, whilst reminding him that the authority in this matter lies with the central Executive.
“I am forthright and I have expressed concerns about both major parties, but I consistently maintain that those in power bear additional responsibility,” he stated this Thursday in remarks to the press.
He illustrated this by suggesting that it would be as if PSOE Canarias were expected to resolve the issues that the regional government (CC-PP) is obligated to address. “As president, I am tasked with advancing our projects, and I must do so with those who have enabled a majority to access the Presidency. Whether the opposition chooses to assist or collaborate is merely a supplementary benefit,” he pointed out.
Consequently, Clavijo underscored that the handling of the migration crisis impacting the archipelago falls under the Government of Spain, which possesses jurisdiction over Migration, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Border Control. “It is them,” he asserted, “who must exercise their authority.”
Additionally, the president remarked that, from a legal standpoint, there is nothing hindering the State from “taking initiative and managing the distribution of these minors,” as articulated in Article 2 of the Constitution, alongside the Immigration Law.
In tandem, the Canarian leader noted that he has also been unwavering in his stance towards the PP. “I cannot comprehend how a party aiming to govern Spain, in such a serious emergency as we currently face in the Canary Islands and in Ceuta, does not step forward and declare that irrespective of the majorities, this issue must be addressed as a national concern,” he clarified.
“Now,” he continued, “which of the two have I been more severe with? Presumably, both will have their grievances. What I believe is unjust is that the Canary Islands must bear this pressure alone and that we are unable to provide for minors as international treaties necessitate. This situation is occurring, and has been for a year.”
Therefore, he expressed confusion over the absence of a consensus thus far. “If a majority is lacking, what should we do? Do we persist in hitting the same barrier or do we seek alternatives? What the Government of the Canary Islands has accomplished, which the Government of Spain ought to have undertaken, is to propose a different solution,” stated Clavijo, who condemned the fact that 15 days post submission of the proposed extraordinary distribution decree law to the Government of Spain, there has been no response.
