SAN MIGUEL (TENERIFE), Feb. 8. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has voiced his opinion that the visit by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, to Mauritania should have taken place “earlier” in order to address the migration crisis. While he acknowledges the visit as a “reasonable” and “positive initiative,” he maintains that it is unlikely to yield immediate reductions in the number of canoe departures.
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration of a medical office in San Miguel de Abona, he noted the “pressure” and “political conflict” in various West African countries, describing the situation as “quite complex.”
He expressed hope that the visit would have an impact, but cautioned that it is unlikely to result in a reduction of arrivals in the short term.
Additionally, he reiterated the government’s “wait” for a response to the proposed legislative amendment allowing for the compulsory distribution of unaccompanied migrant minors, who “continue to arrive systematically and remain within the Canary Islands,” among other autonomous communities.
While Minister of Youth and Children, Sira Rego, set a deadline of March 31, Clavijo stressed the urgency of the matter, stating that there seems to be a lack of haste in addressing this issue compared to others, such as amnesty.
The President of the Canary Islands expressed his concerns about the level of care that can be provided to migrant minors, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of children.
Clavijo also expressed his desire to engage in discussions with either Sánchez or the Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, who oversees immigration management, to assess the outcome of the visit and the agreements that have been reached.
