Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 12 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The Cabildo de Tenerife has reiterated on Wednesday that a potential dissolution of the Reserve and Security Group No. 8 of the Civil Guard in the Canary Islands would result in a significant detriment to the safety of an island that is home to nearly 1 million residents and welcomes 300,000 permanent visitors. Consequently, this news has come as an “unwelcome surprise,” as noted in a press conference by the institution’s second vice president, José Miguel Ruano.
“We wish to make a statement in support of the Reserve and Security Group No. 8 of the Civil Guard in the Canary Islands, which, as has already been reported by the unions, currently faces the risk of being removed from the islands, an absolutely strategic asset essential to ensuring the safety of the archipelago, particularly in Tenerife across various areas,” remarked Lope Afonso, the vice president of the Cabildo.
Both officials have affirmed the “clear and evident commitment” of the Cabildo on this issue, and they plan to present a joint motion (from CC and PP) at the upcoming plenary of the insular corporation to commence “that commitment” within the institution, asserting it as “a collective demand” given the “importance” this service holds for the island’s future.
José Miguel Ruano expressed his concern regarding the potential dissolution of this unit in Tenerife, emphasizing the existing “shortfall” of this security body on the island, which is particularly evident in the long queues at South Tenerife airport, as well as within numerous municipalities lacking national police presence “throughout the island.”
Cabildo Predictions
“Abolishing a unit such as this would equate to a loss of security. The Cabildo firmly advocates for its continuation, and we have demonstrated this commitment with an allocation in the current 2025 budget, which includes a specific provision for territorial planning that anticipates a minor modification of the Arafo General Plan, amounting to 25,000 euros, for a designated site intended for the barracks of that specialised unit,” specified Ruano.
The second vice president of the Cabildo has clarified that this decision stemmed from the necessity of relocation for the unit, in light of expected expansions at North Tenerife airport, particularly concerning the old terminal where the unit currently operates.
Ruano stated that, based on discussions held thus far with the Civil Guard in the Canary Islands, once this planning amendment for the municipality of Arafo is completed, it was anticipated that the ministry would implement a project to enable this special unit to continue delivering its services in Tenerife.
“The position of the Cabildo is to pursue this issue. It is rather disappointing to learn of these plans in this manner from the Ministry of the Interior,” he remarked.
Furthermore, he added that beyond the decisions falling within the purview of the National Executive Department, when a service is provided “in an island like Tenerife, with nearly a million residents and around 300,000 visitors permanently, it should not be that the Cabildo discovers such matters in this way.”
From the Cabildo’s defence, the governing group of the Insular Institution (CC and PP) anticipates that the Interior Ministry will engage in “a dialogue process” regarding this issue.
