Santa Cruz de Tenerife 26 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The Socialist Parliamentary Group has on Wednesday accused the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, of prioritising the interests of the Popular Party (PP) over those of the Canary Islands following the withdrawal of the Minister of Finance of the Government of the Canary Islands, Matilde Asan (PP), from the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council (CPFF) along with the other councillors of the Autonomous Communities governed by the PP.
The meeting had been organised to discuss the proposal for a 50% debt forgiveness for the autonomous communities put forth by the Government of Spain, which, in the case of the islands, would total 3,259 million euros. This figure represents half of the overall debt of the Autonomous Community, estimated at 6,158 million euros as of 31 December 2023, as detailed by the Socialists in a statement.
In this regard, they criticise that between the Canary Islands and Feijóo regarding the 50% debt cancellation, “Clavijo opted to oppose the Canary Islands.”
The Socialist Group highlights that the Minister of Finance of the Canary Islands government, Matilde Asan, was representing the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands at the meeting but left it “against the general interest of the Canary Islands, following the political strategy of Mr. Feijóo’s PP, who, under the scrutinising gaze of Mrs. Ayus, is pursuing an Organic Law of Foreigners that would enable addressing the immigration issues stemming from the arrival of unaccompanied minors.”
Conversely, the Socialist Group appreciates the proposal put forth by the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Spain.
“It is beneficial for the country as a whole and exceedingly favourable for the Canary Islands. For this reason, we criticise not only that the Popular Party penalises the islands through the Minister of Finance but also that the president of the Canary Islands supports it,” they elaborate.
The Socialists find it “hard to comprehend” why there would be opposition to eliminating half of a debt, just as it would be baffling for a family to reject the reduction of half of its mortgage.
In this vein, they clarify that it is a “further step” towards freeing up resources for debt repayment and enabling them to be allocated to public services, ultimately benefitting the citizens of the Canary Islands.
For the PSOE, Clavijo is demonstrating “once again” that his sole ambition “is power” rather than defending the interests of the Canary Islands. “He still fails to meet the needs of the islands,” they assert.
