SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 1st March (EUROPA PRESS) –
The vice president of the Canary Islands, Manuel Domínguez, has revealed that the fuel subsidy of 20 cents per litre on the green islands “will become a reality in a few days” thanks to an initiative led by the Ministry of Finance. “Achieving this hasn’t been simple, but we are now just awaiting the Advisory Council’s report,” he confirmed.
This announcement was made during a visit to the Town Hall of Santa Cruz de La Palma to meet with its mayor, Asier Antona, and representatives from the other political factions within the Town Hall. Following this, Domínguez strolled through the commercial district of the capital of La Palma, accompanied by the Vice Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Consumption, Felipe Afonso El Jaber, and the REF commissioner, José Ramón Barrera.
Concluding the tour at the Municipal Food Market of Santa Cruz de La Palma, the vice president highlighted that the fuel subsidy aims to “prevent the loss of competitiveness on the islands of La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro and, simultaneously, strive to mitigate the effects of double insularity.” “It is extremely timely and, fortunately, will materialize in just a few days,” he stressed.
Furthermore, Domínguez also addressed another topic discussed during the meeting at the Town Hall, emphasising the significance of resuming the celebrations of the Descent of the Virgin of the Snows after the disruptions caused by the pandemic in 2020, which led to the cancellation of the Lustral Festivals. Thus, he assured that the 2025 Budget will allocate appropriate resources for their revival after a decade.
Lastly, Manuel Domínguez underscored the forthcoming investment that Santa Cruz de La Palma will receive, noting that “the analyses suggest that the forecasted growth for our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) next year will be approximately 2 percent. This is slightly lower than what we achieved in 2023, but it is crucial for the administrations to make investments because without them, this growth will not materialize.”
“The Government of the Canary Islands,” added the vice president, “has approximately 1,034 million euros in Next Generation Funds solely for execution and accountability. Consequently, we require projects that boost the economy of Santa Cruz de La Palma. There are several proposals on the table, such as the Municipal Food Market and the renowned Recova, to secure adequate funding from the Ministry of Economy for the development and enhancement of these facilities and the open commercial areas,” he concluded.
“STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP.”
The Mayor of Santa Cruz de La Palma, Asier Antona, expressed his appreciation to Manuel Domínguez for his visit to the city, highlighting the “strong and productive partnership” they enjoy, steering important projects and direct investments towards fruition through the leadership of the Government of the Canary Islands.
“We have requested,” Antona continued, “for enhanced support for the upcoming Descent of the Virgin in 2025, and we aspire for Santa Cruz de La Palma to become the commercial hub of this island, with its commercial zones being revitalised as they rightly deserve through funding schemes that will transform the historic centre and its surroundings into a landmark for locals and visitors alike.”
To wrap up the day, the vice president convened with the business community of Santa Cruz de La Palma, represented by Carlota Pérez, the president of the Old Town Association; David Fuentes, the president of the Association of Entrepreneurs, Professionals, and Self-Employed of the Open Commercial Zone of Santa Cruz de La Palma (AEPA) and Fedepalma.
Both were briefed by the REF Commissioner, José Ramón Barrera, and the Vice Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Consumption, Felipe Afonso El Jaber, on the assistance and financing opportunities available from the Government of the Canary Islands to stimulate the regional economy of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
