Santa Cruz de Tenerife 28 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The Minister of Finance for the Canary Islands, Matilde Asan, described her proposal during the recent Fiscal and Financial Policy Council (CPFF) as “anecdotal” on Friday, alongside regions led by the PP. She believes that the “fund” for rejecting debt forgiveness is “irreproachable” as it relates to critical issues such as the Ref and the potential computation of its resources within the financial system.
In comments to ‘Canarias Radio’ reported by Europa Press, she expressed agreement with Canarian President Fernando Clavijo, who underscored his gesture while simultaneously making it clear that the Canarian government would not support the agreement.
“If we wish to address an issue that adversely affects us, we must voice our dissent; that is the crux of the matter. The proposal put forth severely disadvantages us and, moreover, goes well beyond the initial harm—it’s much more profound,” she asserted.
In this context, she noted that her proposal might serve as a “positive gesture” if it helps the citizens of the Canary Islands recognise what they are risking in this negotiation.
The minister remarked that having minimal debt in the Canary Islands would be detrimental in negotiations where “debt is being shared,” and if a reduction in interest were to occur, “neither” would it be applicable to enhance public services due to the spending rule.
She also critiqued the stance that the Canary Islands holds a 50% cap on its debt in order to compensate for insufficient funding, yet no explanation is provided. Subsequently, “claims” arise indicating that the Canary Islands “already have additional funds,” hence, it cannot be “accepted” that “the Ref is integrated within the reforms of the regional financing system.”
Asan, who refrained from commenting on whether the proposal was directed by the PP leadership, has stressed the need to separate this negotiation from a “political party issue,” emphasising that it constitutes an “institutional” matter that connects the government to the autonomous communities.
“I must stand up for myself, and I do so in this manner”
“I solely advocate for the interests of the Canarians, and I have acted sincerely on behalf of my responsibilities, which is to defend the Canary Islands. I reiterate, I defend it—not only regarding the forgiveness of debt or the reallocation of liabilities that impact us, but because I do not wish for the debate about the financing system reform to intermingle with the resources of the fiscal financing block Ref. I want to prevent that from happening; I must defend myself, and I will,” she asserted.
The minister has urged against “politicising” this debate, and although she expressed her “complete loyalty” to the Canarian President, she believes that shifting focus on his absence from the CPFF serves to “create a smokescreen” to avoid tackling the “significant issue” facing the Canary Islands, which is “the reallocation of liabilities as it is now termed” and ensuring resources are computed “while imposing a limit on the Ref.”
Asan admitted that she would be “in agreement” with the forgiveness of debt if it were beneficial to the overall interests of the Canarians but does not concur with “either the essence” or the methods used upon learning of the matter through the press.
