Santa Cruz de Tenerife 27 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The Minister for Territorial Policy of the Canary Islands Government, Lady Barreto, has cautioned this Thursday that if the State “fails to fulfil” the payment of the 100 million euros pending for the reconstruction of La Palma, they will not be able to commence payments for the lost farms following the eruption.
In response to an inquiry from the nationalist group during a parliamentary commission, she criticised the government’s “political tactics” for not transferring the funds allocated for 2024, believing that there are no more “farms sown” on the island due to the absence of economic resources.
“Not only is it detrimental, but it hampers progress,” she stated, expressing disappointment that there is no scheduled date for the transfer of funds.
She noted that the payment plan only includes the 50 million euros allocated by the Canary Islands Government, an amount intended for the payment of lost homes, while highlighting that the 60% bonus in the IRPF is still pending, which she believes will be incorporated in some validation of the decree.
“We have over 200 farms and applications for licenses exceeding 10 million euros to pay for prepared farms, which we cannot settle because the 100 million euros have not been allocated,” stated Barreto, emphasising that those affected understand that the primary priority is the homes.
Jonathan Felipe (CC) lamented the delay in the 100 million euros pending and the fulfilment of the ‘Canarian agenda’, defending the IRPF bonus, which often requires “pedagogy” since it is “put in Solfa” when it is a necessary measure to stimulate the island’s economy.
He remarked that “it makes no sense” for it to occur via income returns but rather “month by month” in withholdings, as otherwise, that money would be saved rather than spent.
“Neither you nor I, Mrs. Counsellor, were the ones who visited La Palma 14 times and repeatedly promised compliance, and the truth is that this political tactic is becoming tiresome, to which we are unfortunately accustomed,” he commented.
