The Vice President of the Canary Islands Government, Manuel Domínguez, addressed a question from Juanma Casañas, a member of the Popular Parliamentary Group, regarding the outcomes of a meeting between representatives of the Canary Islands Government and the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee. This meeting focused on issues such as immigration and border control.
Concerns Raised by the Popular Party
During the plenary session of the Canary Islands Parliament, the Popular Party condemned the Spanish Government’s apparent interests in keeping the borders open in the Canary Islands.
In response to a question posed by Juanma Casañas about the aforementioned meeting, Domínguez expressed the “powerlessness” felt by MEPs who are unable to support the Canary Islands effectively.
“Imagine our surprise when the EU informs us that it is ready to deploy Frontex and provide financial resources, but cannot proceed without a request from the member state,” shared Domínguez, who also serves as the President of the Popular Party in the Canary Islands.
Investments and Disparities
Domínguez pointed out that the regional government invested €192 million in resources for the migration crisis in 2024, whereas the Spanish Government has not contributed resources to the archipelago. “We have learned that resources have indeed been allocated from the EU to the state, yet these have not reached the Canary Islands. Why?” he queried.
Critical Questions on Border Policy
“What are the interests preventing the borders in the Canary Islands from closing? How is it possible that this deadly corridor between Africa and the Canary Islands remains wide open?” he demanded. “We have only been informed that an report will be issued and sent to the member state, and we will see what happens, but you and I know what will happen,” the Vice President warned Casañas.
Casañas himself highlighted the thousands of deaths the Canary Route has already caused and accused the Pedro Sánchez government of enabling individuals to take to makeshift boats, risking their lives, paying criminal organisations, and arriving in dire conditions in the Canary Islands.
Tragic Consequences on El Hierro
“On the island of El Hierro, we have buried hundreds of immigrants and are aware of a vessel currently under trial for murders involving over 50 deaths. This exemplifies the Sánchez government’s approach to immigration in the Canary Islands,” he added.
Call for Action
Finally, the Popular Party representative criticised Sánchez and the PSOE’s refusal to deploy Frontex in the archipelago and at the coasts of countries of origin, as well as the implications of such decisions. “We hear complaints from the security forces, from Salvamar, and from the media regarding the establishment of criminal organisations that also engage in drug trafficking thanks to this route that has been allowed to solidify,” concluded Juanma Casañas.
