Santa Cruz de Tenerife 25 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has described this Tuesday as “essential” the presence of General State Budgets (PGE) to prevent, among other issues, a potential “reduction” in flight frequencies and routes with the rest of Spain.
In response to inquiries from ASG and PP during the Parliamentary control session, he acknowledged that it is a “concerning issue” following the 75% effort that “has required considerable time and effort” for the Canarians to be on equal footing with other Spaniards.
He remarked that the “crux” of the dilemma with airlines “lies in the extended budgets,” as travel has escalated and the provisions for 2023 have proven inadequate. “However, if the companies are financially strained, we may encounter challenges that could lead to a loss of frequencies and connectivity,” he stated.
Clavijo noted that he has already convened with the Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, and that the Minister of Transportation, Pablo Rodríguez, maintains regular communication with the Ministry of Transport. Fundamentally, the expectation from the central government is to settle the debt within the first semester.
To facilitate this, he disclosed that an extraordinary credit law is being prepared for processing in Congress, and the national deputy from CC, Cristina Valido, has been tasked with drafting amendments to ensure that part of the funds is allocated to settle the airlines’ debt.
The Canarian President has acknowledged a “gap of nearly double the budgeted amount for 2023,” but has simultaneously made it clear that the Canary Islands will not relinquish the “75% discount under any circumstances.”
He also mentioned that to “alleviate treasury pressures,” 25% of the funds allocated to the Canary Islands government have been advanced.
Asg’s spokesperson Casimiro Curbelo expressed significant concern regarding the debt that the State holds with airlines, as the absence of “support” could result in a reduction of routes and frequencies, which would pose a “serious issue.” “It is unacceptable for the Canary Islands to face cuts to flights,” he elaborated.
The spokesperson for the popular group, Luz Reverón, cautioned that the government’s failure to present budgets would “endanger and jeopardise crucial commitments” such as transportation for the Canarians, noting that airlines owe 810 million euros, which, when combined with the year 2025, will exceed 1,500 million euros. “This is an act of irresponsibility on the part of the government,” she declared.
