Santa Cruz de Tenerife 8 Feb. (Europa Press) –
Sumar Canarias held a regional assembly this Saturday in La Laguna (Tenerife), marking the “official inception” of their movement in the islands. They aim to establish themselves as a “plurinational force” committed to “the battle of ideas” to contribute towards creating a better nation, as noted by David Comas, a member of the State Coordinating Group of the Sumar Movement, in front of the press.
“As a plurinational force, we intend to empower the Canarian people, recognising their drive and courage. This is the beginning of the first territorial gathering of the state assembly that we will have in Madrid in around two months,” Comas emphasised, also recalling the Canary manifestations on April 20 against the prevailing tourist model in the islands.
He proceeded to outline the issues that will be “priorities” for this political movement in the islands. These include “the battle of ideas to continue developing a better nation” through advocating for “recognition of housing as a right” and supporting “intervention in the market to ensure everyone can access rental properties.”
Furthermore, this “battle” will address the “predatory” tourist model that “needs to be regulated” to ensure that “the Canary Islands have a future,” in addition to advocating for “work-life balance” and striving to, among other aims, reduce working hours.
“For us, the priority is to champion the battle of ideas, but victory in this battle cannot be achieved without organisation. That is why we have the finest team here in the Canary Islands,” stated Comas, who underscored “the enthusiasm and resolve” with which they will move forward.
Mila Hormiga and Jacinto Ortega, regional general coordinators from this Saturday
Following the process that commenced on January 31, with the announcement of candidate teams for General Coordination in the Canary Islands, Sumar Canarias has appointed Mila Hormiga and Jacinto Ortega as regional general coordinators from this Saturday.
Mila Hormiga has expressed the determination to continue expanding “without dwelling on past coalition failures,” while highlighting “key issues, such as health, the degradation of our territory, and housing, which are the primary concerns of the Canarian people,” focusing on proposing solutions.
In turn, Jacinto Ortega asserted that “expansion represents hope for creating a plural and transformative political space that meets the genuine needs of citizens.”
He further argued that the Canary Islands “require a robust voice within this initiative, a voice that understands our territory’s unique aspects, combats inequalities, and addresses the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by society at large.”
Hormiga is a lecturer at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a career in social and health sectors linked to the trade union movement since her early days as an educator. She served as a councillor of the Cabildo de Tenerife from 2015 to 2019.
On the other hand, Ortega, who has worked in the private security sector for many years, is currently studying Social Work at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. He previously held the position of councillor for Social Services, Equality, and Youth at the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 2015 to 2019.
Additionally, he has experience as a technical advisor to the Mayor’s Office of the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria between 2019 and 2023 and has served as a union coordinator in the private security sector in the Canarian Intersindical. He currently holds the position of general secretary of the Unified Union of the Canary Islands (SGU).
