The Finance Minister of the Canary Islands deems current actions as rushed and expresses apprehension regarding the specific allocations for the region.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 15th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
Matilde Asián, the Finance Minister of the Government of the Canary Islands, from the PP party, has voiced support this Friday for preparing emergency legislation to safeguard the 280 million euros in advance payments from the 2022 budget following the announcement of the expansion of the General State Budgets (PGE).
Speaking to journalists after a productive meeting with the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, she stated that the current developments are happening hastily due to a sudden change in direction, as the Canary Islands were previously determining how to utilise these resources outside of the spending regulations, given that it served as a beneficial buffer for the archipelago.
She now highlights that up to 448 million from the regional budget could be impacted, necessitating a credit retention of at least 168 million, though she acknowledged that the central government has proposed an “anti-crisis law” to update advance payments.
“We appreciate the initiative, however, we would prefer it to be done through emergency legislation as it would expedite the process,” she remarked, emphasising that all political parties in Congress would support extending advance payments to the autonomous communities.
Concerning the ‘Canarian agenda’, she pointed out that the budget extension means that the original items outlined in the 2023 budget will be prolonged, and without a new budget, specific provisions in the document will not be included.
“This is a cause for concern as we welcome the news of the update in advance payments, but we are apprehensive as we still lack information on the fate of the specific allocations for the Canary Islands,” she noted.
Addressing free public transport, she stressed that it is being implemented, along with “numerous other essential initiatives for the Canary Islands” linked to vital services.
Dávila criticised the central government for neglecting to prepare the PGE, thereby leaving Spain susceptible to the developments in Catalonia and its political conflicts.
“This cannot be acceptable. There must be security for those autonomous communities that have abided by the rules, such as the Canary Islands, which have a stable treasury, clean budgets, and have acted prudently based on the communications from the Ministry,” she highlighted.
DÁVILA ASSUMES FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AS CERTAIN
In contrast to the minister, Dávila asserted that free public transportation is secured through a legal decree for the entirety of 2024.
“While it may lack budgetary support, that support is integrated into the extended budget.”
Hence, she trusts in the Government of Spain’s “capability” to honour the agreements made with the Canary Islands as outlined in the ‘Canarian agenda’, “and it must do so, if not through the State budget, then via legal decrees or legislation.”
She further mentioned that the Cabildo will not forego including the train in the mobility law “or necessary budget allocations,” affirming their active stance in light of the PGE extension.
“On the contrary, we will strive to ensure there is no loss for an autonomous community, especially for an island that requires these financial resources crucial for securing the welfare of the residents of Tenerife and the Canary Islands overall,” she emphasised.
