Clavijo expresses that he rejects arrangements “through the back door” and emphasises that the proposal offers no “privilege for anyone”.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 24th January (Europa Press) –
The Autonomous Governments of the Canary Islands and Catalonia have concurred on the necessity to reform the regional financing system through “dialogue and transparency” stemming from a “calm” discussion, away from the “hubbub”.
This was stated during a joint appearance by both presidents, Fernando Clavijo and Salvador Illa, as part of the Catalan president’s tour across Spain to outline the unique financing model.
Both leaders clarified that the aim is not to “persuade anyone” but rather to heed the perspectives of others. They have also reached a consensus on the importance of holding additional bilateral meetings between communities outside the framework of the Presidents Conference.
Clavijo clarified that “there is still” no document under consideration “but it is at least encouraging” to be able to “listen to others’ opinions”, particularly as “the financing is perceived” to be below the national average.
The Canarian president has advocated for all citizens to exist on an “equal footing”, ensuring that the welfare state maintains “uniformity” throughout Spain. He acknowledged that although some governments may be “more effective”, the scope for manoeuvre is limited if there is disarray, which “manifests as poverty, exclusion, and marginalisation”.
However, he made it clear that he is averse to “impositions” or agreements “through alternative means”, and therefore he appreciates the “institutional loyalty” of the Catalan government and their “bravery” and “transparency” in articulating their political stance.
He mentioned that Illa has conveyed that the goal is one of solidarity. “We are unsure if that is the case as no proposal has yet been made,” he remarked.
The Canarian President took the opportunity to clarify that the ref “is not included” within the financing system but is intended to “offset disadvantages and insularity”, hence it “must align” with the new model being established.
In this regard, he indicated his support for renewing and “reforming” the financing system, as it is essential to be clear about the welfare model desired for Spain and its funding.
“We all aim to protect our interests, but that does not conflict with dialogue and mutual understanding; that is the path forward,” he stated.
Additional agreements: tourism, cooperation, energy, and artificial intelligence
Illa has made it unmistakably clear that he does not wish for “any privileges for anyone” in this prospective reform and has reiterated the “commitment to solidarity” from his government. “Do not fear that Catalonia is thriving; no challenge in Spain is alien to Catalonia,” he stated.
In that context, he has stressed that he has come to the Canary Islands to “explain and listen”, a practice which could be “a novelty” in politics, although “it ought not to be”. He also extended an invitation for Clavijo to reciprocate with a visit to Catalonia.
Apart from financing, both administrations have engaged in discussions regarding tourism, following a “very positive” year-end for both regions and with “optimistic” expectations for the current year, underlining the necessity of tax policies to ensure it is “redistributed fairly” across the wealth generated.
Illa flagged that the challenge facing both public administrations and the sector is to ensure it “does not falter due to its own success”.
On health, both parties have concurred on its significance as one of the “foundations” of the welfare state and a “luxury”, necessitating its assessment as “sustainable” in light of an “ageing” population and the prevalence of “chronic conditions”.
Furthermore, both governments have resolved to augment the sharing of experiences surrounding cooperation policies with Sahel nations and Northern Africa, energy sustainability initiatives, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.
