Santa Cruz de Tenerife 20 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, has urged “calm and serenity” this Thursday to prevent the “humanitarian crisis” concerning migrant minors from being turned into a “territorial issue,” although he emphasised that the law “must be adhered to.”
Addressing journalists following a meeting with FECAM, FECAI, and NGOs engaged with migrant communities, he reiterated the importance of “unity” in the Canary Islands and advocated for “effective policies” to resolve challenging issues. He questioned whether the alternative is to “leave people abandoned” or if a political party aspiring to govern Spain should send a message indicating there are first and second-class territories.
Clavijo pointed out that the current support provided to migrants is “inadequate” and therefore believes it is unhelpful to have disparities amongst communities in applying the decree law.
In this context, he acknowledged the “strength” of the Popular Party of the Canary Islands and Vice President Manuel Domínguez, stating that it is clear they must ensure the Canary Islands’ wellbeing, which is precisely what the government has been doing collectively, along with two opposition parties (PSOE and NC-BC).
He remarked that it is “reasonable” for the president of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, to accept that the law must be adhered to since “it is already legislation,” while leaving open the possibility for communities to seek redress if they believe their rights are “violated.”
“We have already indicated that we will take action, but the law must be respected and, above all, we should not forget that we are discussing children, not objects,” he declared.
He also mentioned his intention to meet with the president of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to discuss the Decree-Law, as they have only managed to exchange messages via WhatsApp since he was in Brussels recently.
“We have always enjoyed an excellent relationship, we continue to nurture it, and of course, we will maintain the dialogue. He will do what he must, and we will do our part,” he concluded.
