Gran Canaria’s Leader Rejects Hosting La Vuelta if Israel Participates

Firm Stance on the Pre-agreement

Antonio Morales, President of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, was unequivocal on Monday regarding the pre-agreement for the 2026 Vuelta a España to be decided in the Canary Islands. During a tribute to Palestinian children killed in Gaza, Morales stated that “Gran Canaria is not willing to whitewash the genocide of the State of Israel through sport or any other activity.” He explained that there is a pre-agreement involving Unipublic, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Cabildo of Tenerife to bring the event to the islands for the final week of the upcoming edition. However, he emphasised that “nothing is definitively signed.” He made it clear that the condition is straightforward: “If Israel participates, then no. Gran Canaria will not host the Vuelta a España.”

Tribute in Santa Ana

This declaration came after an event held in Santa Ana Square in memory of the thousands of children killed in Gaza. During the event, the names of dozens of children, victims of the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, were read aloud as a symbolic gesture of remembrance and protest. Fátima Suleimán, President of the Palestinian Community in the Canary Islands, read the names of some of the minors killed by Israel.

Call for Action

Carolina Darias, Mayor of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, called for “an end to the barbarism and atrocities suffered by the Palestinian people” and asserted that Spain, by recognising the Palestinian state, “has positioned itself on the right side of history.” Morales also denounced that “we are witnessing extermination being broadcast live” and reminded listeners that “these are not just numbers; they are children.” He pointed out that “the State of Israel chooses to kill children so that there are no more generations of Palestinians who nurture dreams of freedom,” warning that history will also remember “the accomplices of this genocide.”

International Implications

Initially, the Cabildo had considered the tourism and sporting impact of hosting the tour, featuring the queen stage on the Pico de las Nieves in Gran Canaria, while Tenerife would showcase the international appeal of the Teide. However, Morales underscored that “political coherence and solidarity with Palestine” are paramount. Unipublic’s plan for the 2026 tour includes starting in Monaco – that first stage is even scheduled for a Friday instead of the usual Saturday to accommodate rest days and the transfer of the peloton to the Canary Islands – culminating in four mountainous stages in the archipelago.

Pending Decision

The final decision on the agreement with Unipublic is expected to be made in the coming months. Meanwhile, Morales reiterated that Gran Canaria will only support the Vuelta if Israel-Premier Tech is not at the starting line. Unipublic typically announces the route for the following year’s Vuelta each December, but must first sign all contracts with the cities hosting stage starts and finishes while ensuring that logistics for the 3,500 people in their entourage are well organised.