They announce aid for the self-employed and measures to “provide security” and enhance access to housing
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 22 March. (Europa Press) –
The PP of the Canary Islands celebrated a meeting with its mayors in Arona (Tenerife) this Friday and Saturday to discuss the key issues affecting Canarian citizens. In his closing remarks today, President Manuel Domínguez unveiled a series of ten measures to assist the municipal councillors in addressing three main challenges: housing, self-employment, and commerce.
In his address, the Vice President of the Canarian Government detailed the ‘Plan of Active Municipalities’ put forward by the Popular Party, which stems from “a clear commitment” to make these lands flourish, transforming them into a better place to live, raise a family, and embark on life projects.
“The Popular Party of the Canary Islands has a strategy, a strategy for the 88 municipalities, a strategy for the 8 islands, a strategy for the over 2 million residents of this archipelago. We have a plan, and we will execute it collectively with everyone’s participation,” stressed Domínguez.
The Canarian Vice President and leader of the PP in the Canary Islands emphasised that “if we wish to transform the islands,” the starting point must be “without a doubt, the municipalities,” as it is at this local level where “real problems are identified, where the toughest challenges are confronted, and where reality can be tangibly felt.”
Package of Measures
Domínguez elaborated that the ‘Municipalism Plan’ of the Canarian PP presently consists of ten measures aimed at tackling the issues of housing, illegal occupations, self-employment, and commerce, although “it will continue to evolve” throughout the term to respond “to the genuine needs of our region.”
Among the proposed measures is a new ‘Jóvena Entrepreneur’ grant, designed to support young individuals by providing financial assistance for initial start-up costs related to entrepreneurial ventures, which is considered “the most challenging phase” of this journey, as highlighted by the popular president.
Additionally, the plan aims to diversify the commercial offerings within municipalities by providing subsidies for renting out vacant premises. This second measure seeks to make such premises situated in open commercial zones available to the market.
This initiative is complemented by another subsidy aimed at enhancing the appearance of municipal shops to “modernise” open commercial spaces, directed towards small and medium enterprises.
To address the housing crisis, the Canarian PP intends to support municipalities governed by the PP in subsidising unpaid rent and addressing housing damages, also focusing on the development of municipal inventories of vacant properties and fostering public-private partnerships for the construction of new homes.
“In light of the legal uncertainties posed by state law, we aim to offer reassurance to ensure those homes can be marketed for our youth,” stated Manuel Domínguez while announcing the housing-oriented measures.
He clarified that the municipal corporations led by the PP would champion public-private cooperation in housing, as “there is belief in it.” He asserted that the right of surface would be utilised to generate housing opportunities from municipalities, “a measure we aim to implement immediately.”
In response to the issue of illegal occupation of properties in the islands—Domínguez highlighted that “in 2024, more than 55 homes per month were occupied in the Canary Islands, totalling 663 throughout the archipelago”—the political party will direct its measures towards the “victims” of this situation.
He indicated that municipal governments governed by the PP would establish an action protocol for addressing such cases of occupation, ensuring local police “act with legal guarantees” and provide “support” to those affected. Furthermore, virtual consultations will be offered to the “victims” of occupation.
This will include documentation on “how to act appropriately to deal with illegal occupants,” along with continued advocacy for legislative amendments enabling “mayors to amend registries and remove those who have entered irregularly.”
“This plan seeks the welfare of all Canarians, and thus, the Canary Islands can rely on us; we will not abandon you, and we are here to serve,” said Domínguez.
Reflections
Manuel Domínguez seized the chance to commend the regional government. He asserted that, within the Executive, “a stable, loyal, and dedicated government has been established, one that confronts challenges with courage and resolve, where the impact of the Popular Party is beginning to be felt.”
He affirmed that it has been under the Popular Party’s aegis that “a growth trend in employment has commenced, and poverty begins to decline.” Despite facing criticism and “pressures endured,” he added, the Government will regulate the economic activities related to holiday rentals.
“An economic activity that is here to stay, but must be organised, as the Canary Islands require order.”
Domínguez extolled that, with “absolute determination,” the Canarian PP will continue to defend, staunchly and persistently, the rights of police, civil guards, the National Police, the military, and security personnel, “those who rise each day to ensure we can live more peacefully.”
Simultaneously, he advocated for the rights of the elderly, a demographic whose contributions he wishes to acknowledge.
“And with a resonant voice and utmost responsibility, we declare that the Canary Islands cannot bear the immigration situation any longer.”
