They assert that their demands are being ignored and that “nothing has changed” while authorities celebrate tourist milestones “every month”
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 4 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The factions behind the protests on April 20 have declared that they will resume their marches against the development model in the Canary Islands after the summer, voicing dissatisfaction with the “lack of action” from the institutions.
In a unified statement, they highlight the persistence of an unchanged situation and the further entrenchment of a development model that has been exploiting the region for decades.
They critique the consistent rejection of their demands by the government – such as a tourism freeze, restrictions on non-residents buying property, an eco-tax, and stopping projects that violate environmental and urban planning regulations. They note that the exploitation of the territory continues unabated, including the approval of new hotel permits, the repeal of environmental laws, and the promotion of an energy model that favours unchecked development.
According to them, the authorities view natural spaces purely as assets for tourism, pushing forward with airport expansions and proposing additional infrastructure like railways and roads.
The factions lament the ineffectiveness of the ’20A’ movement in influencing laws like those concerning holiday home rentals, criticising the lack of strict regulations and enforcement measures.
They are disappointed that projects like Cuna del Alma, plagued with irregularities, have not been halted and disciplinary measures have lapsed, allowing it to proceed.
They also express regret over the lack of willingness from the Canarian Government to engage in dialogue and the continuous dismissal of their demands while celebrating tourism success without addressing the underlying issues.
“The ’20A’ movement has resonated more with external institutions than within the Canary Islands. For the changes we seek to materialise, governments need to prioritise the welfare of the people, nature, and heritage of the islands, rather than solely pursuing profit at the expense of the region’s well-being,” they remark.
“CHALLENGING THE PRIVILEGES OF A FEW”
The factions envision their desired model as one that challenges the privileges of a select few who hold significant power, understanding that a single demonstration alone will not suffice to bring about the fundamental change they demand.
“We must be persistent and remind them of something they seem to have forgotten: we are stronger together than you,” they declare.
Consequently, they are devising a series of actions and protests leading up to further demonstrations, this time in tourist hotspots.
Meanwhile, they urge the public to continue fighting against the unjust model that is detrimental to their lives and the region’s well-being. They call for unity and resilience in reclaiming what is rightfully theirs. They stress that the Canary Islands have limits that are currently being disregarded.
They caution the Canarian Government, councils, municipalities, and the tourism industry that they will not remain silent and that protests will escalate unless immediate steps are taken to halt the environmental and social degradation plaguing the region.
“The sooner we address the cultural and environmental decline, the deteriorating quality of life, and the widespread environmental devastation, the sooner we can begin to rectify the situation. It is imperative to work towards the common good and understand that unilateral decisions that ignore the people are unacceptable. We demand to be included in designing a new model for the islands, with collective input and genuine participation. There is no alternative,” they conclude.
