SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 15th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Executive Commission of PSOE Canary Islands, along with socialist mayors from across the Archipelago, have unanimously decided to oppose the Urgent Housing Measures Decree Law that the regional Executive of CC and PP intends to ratify in an upcoming parliamentary session next week.
The PSOE Canary Islands General Secretary and Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, expressed that the party is not in favour of the document due to notable deficiencies in areas such as “citizen participation and municipal interests.” He has advocated for the document to undergo processing as a bill to allow for contributions to be made.
Ángel Víctor Torres assured that the socialists will take a “constructive” stance on this matter, aiming to “contribute to improving access to housing in the Canary Islands, while safeguarding the public’s right to public spaces, green areas, and facilities for citizen use.”
During an ordinary meeting of the regional Executive and consultations with mayors and socialist parliamentarians, Torres criticized the Canary Islands Government for focusing more on political attacks towards Pedro Sánchez and the Flores Pact rather than effectively governing and progressing the region.
He highlighted issues such as the deteriorating dependency figures, worsening health waiting lists, and the inadequate response to the housing crisis, pointing out that the “container houses” in La Palma remain unchanged.
The leader of the Canarian socialists delivered a critical assessment of the first eight months of the legislative term in the Canary Islands, echoing concerns raised by Sebastián Franquis and Nira Fierro during the recent Canarian Nationality Debate. Torres recalled the initial actions of CC and PP in office, such as forming the government with the highest number of positions in history and abolishing an inheritance tax on estates exceeding 300,000 euros per individual, a move perceived to have minimal impact on Canarians.
“There are more pressing needs, such as advancing efforts to reduce economic and territorial disparities, creating sustainable jobs with equal opportunities for all,” he remarked.
Torres is confident that the national legislature will run its full term of four years, with a government that remains as resilient as its inception. He believes that despite the extension of the 2023 budgets, progress can still be made on the Canarian Agenda through legislative modifications, decree laws, and ongoing amendments.
“We are currently dealing with extended budgets, which is why we are already planning for the 2025 budget. The allocations and commitments made for 2022 will be maintained without reductions, ensuring essential funding for local councils,” he stated, acknowledging the Popular Party’s hindrance in the decision-making processes.
