Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 12 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The representative for the Parliamentary Group of Socialist Association Gomera (ASG), Casimiro Curbelo, commended on Wednesday that the Regional Government (CC and PP) is moving “in the right direction”, asserting that it is “performing well.” From that standpoint, he urged the opposition to unite in addressing the “structural deficits” facing the islands, presenting a total of 15 challenges ahead: will we make history together, or will we continue to repeat the errors of the past?
In his address during the second day of the Canarian nationality debate, held in Parliament, Curbelo asserted that the current regional government “is stable” and that it “executes its duties effectively” because “it has conducted a thorough assessment and identified the appropriate measures for the Canary Islands we aspire to.”
Nevertheless, he expressed his disappointment that once “deficits and challenges” are identified within the Chamber, the collaboration between various parliamentary groups falters, leading to a breakdown in “dialogue” and a resurgence of “tension”. He thus encouraged the deputies to make an “effort” to “reach consensus.”
“We need to listen to one another more. That’s why I say to the opposition, which has been very critical, that while criticism is important, we also need to reach agreements,” he stated.
Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing “structural deficit” faced by the Canary Islands, which encompasses various social issues, such as poverty and social exclusion, compounded by new challenges both nationally and internationally, including housing crises and “excessive tensions,” all of which should be confronted together, particularly regarding the immigration situation.
Curbelo defended in his address the “value of politics,” which requires “shared responsibility and courageous decisions,” highlighting the opposition’s vital role, stating that they too “make decisions”: will we write a new chapter in history together, or will we persist in repeating the mistakes of the past?, he queried the Canarian deputies.
“The Canary Islands are not shaped solely by the Government; the councils and municipalities play a role too. It is a collective endeavour,” he asserted.
Connectivity Remarks Regarding the Green Islands
The ASG spokesperson acknowledged that, in light of the poverty and social exclusion challenges, “measures” have been undertaken to stimulate the economy, yielding “positive results,” with the GDP situated at 3.9%, “exceeding the national average”, coupled with “record employment”, thanks to initiatives promoting productivity, digitalisation, and economic diversification.
Nonetheless, he emphasised as “essential” the ongoing support for training and professional development, noting the necessity of backing young individuals to avert talent drain. “The Canarian economy generates over 54,000 million euros; how is it plausible that more than 30% of people live in poverty?”
Concerning the immigration crisis, he deemed the amendment of article 35 of the Foreigner Law as “urgent”. He praised the Canary President, Fernando Clavijo, for having championed diverse appeals related to this emergency, in collaboration with Ángel Víctor Torres, Minister of Territorial Policy, whom he trusts has “done everything possible.”
“Today, in reference to Fernando Clavijo, I wish to acknowledge his bravery, even if at times it has felt like ‘ preaching in the desert,'” Curbelo remarked, advocating for a more proactive European Union to engage in the immigration concern amidst the “humanitarian crisis” encountered by the archipelago.
Regarding territorial disparities within the Canary Islands, he reminded the Canarian president that “the divide between capital islands and non-capital islands will not close by itself.” Therefore, he advocated for a “firm political response, with differentiated fiscal measures” that effectively address the observed inequalities.
In this context, he pushed for “specific fiscal measures” to stimulate “private investment and sustainable economic growth,” as well as to establish a populace on the green islands, for which he requested “a comprehensive connectivity plan.”
He asserted the need for “improved mobility with better terrestrial routes, maritime and aerial connections, suitable frequencies, and fares adjusted to the realities” of the smaller islands, as “this pertains to enhancing service quality whilst ensuring equitable access to mobility for all Canarians.”
Subsequently, Curbelo called for “immediate steps” to alleviate congestion at the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife. “I was surprised that none of the spokespeople referenced the bottleneck at Los Cristianos, which has only two solutions: either expand the current port’s breakwater or build a small harbour,” he noted.
“It is high time to implement structural measures that will enable the islands to overcome obstacles that have hindered their development for decades,” concluded the ASG spokesperson.
