SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 12th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Canary Islands’ President, Fernando Clavijo, suggested on Tuesday to NC-BC the establishment of a monitoring commission to review the progress of the latest housing decree passed by the Government.
During his participation on the initial day of the ‘Nationality State Debate’, he emphasised the need to take action promptly to address the housing issues in the islands. This involves increasing the availability of land and simplifying the construction of public housing.
He mentioned an upcoming “change in direction” and criticised the current tense political climate, expressing confusion over Canaristas’ persistence in dwelling on the past and defending the ‘Pact of Flowers’ management.
He agreed with NC-BC on the objective to shape a progressive “Canary country” through enhanced self-governance. Clavijo rejected claims of Executive excessiveness, asserting accountability to electoral promises and the Statute, urging a forward-looking approach.
On the topic of tax reduction, he wryly commented on the paradoxical nature of criticism – faced regardless of whether taxes are decreased or maintained. He argued for greater flexibility in the spending regulations in the Canary Islands as the community has adhered to fiscal commitments at the expense of public hardship.
Clavijo defended the regional budgets for their execution rather than mere presentation, rebuking the prior Government’s irresponsibility in budget preparation that lacked subsequent implementation. He referred to it as a ‘stamp scam’.
Addressing dependency issues, he commended the appointment of an ‘independent professional’- Candelaria Delgado, to oversee the Ministry. He condemned the previous Government’s preference for financial aid to dependents over available alternatives, acknowledging current efforts to enhance the system.
He described the persistence of poverty affecting 33% of the Canary Islands population as unacceptable, endorsing land legislation to facilitate territory management without full general plan approval, challenging the former Government’s reluctance to amend it.
While not regarding it as a solution to all problems, he acknowledged the positive impact of the legislation in unlocking specific actions, promoting renewable energy and livestock activities, and executing strategic initiatives.
Appreciating Campos’ willingness to collaborate on significant accords with the Government, Clavijo stressed the need for constructive dialogue despite nuanced distinctions, expressing confidence in the viability of his island model, which shares common ground with CC.
