SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Feb. 6 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, has cautioned that the islands are facing a “restricted scenario” with over 5,700 unaccompanied migrant minors under guardianship, to the extent that they had to seek permission from the Prosecutor’s Office to accommodate 140 of them at the adult camp in Las Raíces (Tenerife).
Responding to an inquiry from the Popular Group during the Parliamentary session, he affirmed that it is “evident” that “solidarity has faltered” given that it has not been feasible to relocate the 345 minors agreed upon in October to other autonomous communities.
Confronted with this situation, he has mentioned that his Government has initiated “efforts” and has proposed to the central Government up to four legislative amendments to ensure the compulsory relocation of minors based on objective “criteria” and at the expense of state funding.
Clavijo also proudly defended the role of the Canary Islands Parliament because “beyond the noise and tension of Madrid,” a majority agreement has been reached – with only Vox being excluded – to “prioritize the welfare of the children over political uncertainties.”
Following this, he indicated that a communication will be endorsed in the Government Council next Monday for its subsequent debate in the Chamber to present a “unified voice from the Canary Islands” in an attempt to conclusively resolve an issue that impacts not only the Canary Islands, Spain, and Europe, but also “the boys and girls who disembark from a boat with fear on their faces.”
He also expressed “appreciation” to the society of El Hierro for their “exemplary” conduct in welcoming migrants arriving on the island, a gesture acknowledged by Pope Francis during his recent visit to the Vatican.
Similarly, he emphasised the urgency for the central government to expedite the proposal to amend the law concerning minors, as the Canary Islands Executive has “acted” and he fails to comprehend why there is such urgency in drafting the amnesty law while the same urgency is not evident regarding the relocation of migrants.
Clavijo also requested the redirection of some canoes to the port of La Estaca, on the coast of Valverde, despite it not being the optimal rescue location, as the hospital is closer and facilitates the functioning of ambulances.
Luz Reverón, spokesperson for the Popular Group, indicated that the Canary Islands are “in an unsustainable situation,” while highlighting that “both migration crises” experienced by the archipelago “occurred under the PSOE’s leadership,” with the governments of Rodríguez Zapatero and Pedro Sánchez.
THE INCESSANT GROWTH OF ARRIVALS, AS WARNED BY THE PP
She noted that the number of arrivals in 2023 “has eclipsed the historical record of 2006, and the numbers continue to rise incessantly,” with over 8,500 people in 35 days, and criticized the central Executive for responding “within three months” to the proposed legislative amendment.
She also reproached the central government for appointing the Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, to lead the “single command” of immigration when, during his four-year tenure as Canarian president, “he had not proposed a solution” and is now “more preoccupied” with pitting the Canary Islands against other communities.
Reverón mentioned that they currently only have the “support” of three autonomous communities, including “Ayuso’s Madrid, which Torres has labelled as unsupportive,” and ironically stated that the minister will “certainly” persuade PSOE communities to welcome minors.
The Popular Group’s spokesperson supported the relocation of migrant minors but always “based on objective criteria” and with financial responsibility falling on the State.
Raúl Acosta, spokesperson for the Mixed Group (AHI), urged for economic aid for the island of El Hierro and the port of La Restinga, given that the island “bears the brunt” of the largest migratory load in the EU, putting a strain on services and infrastructure.
He stressed the “empathy and positive attitude” of El Hierro’s society but acknowledged that this should not absolve the institutions of their responsibilities.
