Canary Islands President Promotes New Open Government Law
Commitment to Transparency and Citizen Engagement
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, stated on Tuesday that the forthcoming Open Government Law will enhance transparency and citizen participation. This initiative aims to foster a smoother relationship with residents, ensuring a welcoming administration that ‘accompanies and assists’. Clavijo made these remarks during the informative sessions on the draft Transparency and Citizen Participation Law, organised by the Ministry of the Presidency, Public Administrations, Justice and Security. The event attracted 250 attendees in the Government Presidency hall in Tenerife. He expressed gratitude for the contributions received from citizens and organisations, which will “enrich” the future regulatory framework of the new Open Government Law.
Outdated Legislation
Minister Nieves Lady Barreto explained that the existing laws on transparency and citizen participation, enacted in 2010 and 2014, have become outdated due to technological advancements and societal changes. Barreto acknowledged that these laws were pioneering and set a precedent for administrative relationships. However, she emphasised the need to establish more rigorous transparency standards and to implement a sanction regime for those who fail to comply.
Upcoming Draft Submission
“With the new law, our relationship with citizens will be even more direct, enabling true co-governance,” she added. The Ministry’s objective is to complete the final draft before the end of the year and to initiate a public hearing process where feedback on the final text can be received prior to its submission to Parliament.
