He insists that, if it were not for the “failed contract”, there would be no “critical” aspect to the handling of the crisis.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 11 Apr. (Press Europa) –
The Vice President and Finance Councillor of the previous Canary Islands government, Román Rodríguez, asserted this Friday that if it were not for any “failed, unfortunate contract,” there would be no “critical and significant” aspect regarding the management of the pandemic, around which he has provided a positive assessment, during a “complex” time, in his committee appearance investigating the procurement of medical supplies during the pandemic.
“I trust that the administrative, official structure, the training of the Canary Health Service is beyond reproach, is thoroughly validated, and this unfortunate incident should not be questioned,” stated the former regional vice president.
Román Rodríguez also reflected on the unprecedented crisis experienced in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic, where he stated that there was “no parallel structure” in relation to its health management.
“The Government exercised its powers, with each department acting independently, along with the Canary Health Service.” He added that the Management Committee served as a platform “for debate, information, to guide decisions, lead, document and share opinions.”
Therefore, the “ability” and “trust” placed in the Canary Health Service is emphasized, recognised as the “most robust structure” of the Government, which has two primary instruments for its functioning: the contracting tables and the service’s management.
“In the procurement of goods and services, the key lies there, with a structure akin to a parallel government, overseeing personnel management, economic resources, public health, and a strong general secretariat, as well as substantial administrative services.”
Management Assessment
During a review of the handling of COVID-19 in the Canary Islands, Rodríguez shared an “essentially positive” evaluation, noting that there was a response, he cautioned, “appropriately”: “If it were not for the issue that brings you here, a regrettable failed contract, there would be no critical, relevant element concerning the management of that particularly complex and challenging moment,” he expressed.
In this context, he highlighted the lessons Europe demonstrated during the pandemic with its commitment to expansive policies, referring to the funds allocated to Member States. He recalled as part of the financial responses to this situation that they originated from such sources, dismissing the notion that the “failed” contract with the RR7 company was funded by European resources.
He noted that the Canary Islands also secured around 1.2 billion euros in COVID-19 European funds between 2020 and 2021, which facilitated the provision of materials and resource enhancement. “Our pandemic profile was less severe compared to other regions.”
RR7 Contract
Rodríguez indicated that he learned “of the failed contract” with RR7 through the press in May 2023, having previously noted that “in addition to the demands made through the Tax Agency, this matter would have proceeded through the Criminal Court.”
“We received accounts of emergency contracts that did not have prior authorisation, including those exceeding 2 million euros (…). The account was maintained in accordance with established regulations, and we did not differentiate between providers, as we had no knowledge of any differentiation among them,” he argued.
Simultaneously, in response to various questions from the Commission’s representatives, the former Canarian leader denied having any contact with entrepreneurs or intermediaries connected with SCs hired for supplies: “No one approached me.”
Finally, the former Canarian vice president reiterated the “complete confidence” he has in his former government colleagues, as well as the former president. He advocated that what he termed a “contract failure” regarding the RR7 agreement would compel all parties “to pursue accountability without hesitation,” highlighting the “very important” need for the restitution of funds and the judicial process.
