Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 25th Feb. (Europa Press) –
The president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, has deemed it unfair that the Spanish Government will forgive a debt of 17,104 million euros, translating to 2,258 euros per resident, whilst the archipelago is set to receive only 3,259 million euros, which equates to 1,498 euros per citizen.
This was stated on Tuesday in response to a parliamentary inquiry by the Canary Islands deputy, Sebastián Franquis, regarding whether the initiatives promoted by the regional executive contribute to a more equitable and sustainable economic model. Clavijo remarked that “it is a poor day to discuss social justice.”
“Do you believe that the wealthiest autonomous community in Spain is having a debt of 2,258 euros per citizen forgiven while a Canary citizen gets only 1,498 euros? Is that the wealth and distribution you are referring to?” Clavijo challenged the socialist.
In this context, he mentioned that he has never quite grasped the principles of the PSOE, but that with each passing day, he understands them “less,” as the State allocates “more funds” to the territory with the highest per capita income and “less” to that with the lowest.
“Moreover, they impose a limit. They restrict debt to 50%,” “Oh, what a coincidence,” Clavijo remarked.
PSOE: “Choose in favour of the Canary Islands and not in favour of Feijóo”
On his part, Sebastián Franquis reminded that the Canary Islands government will participate in the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council on Wednesday, hoping that Clavijo “will choose in favour of the Canary Islands and not in favour of Mr. Feijóo.”
In this vein, he accused the regional leader of saying one thing in public and acting differently in the Governing Council, recalling that during the investiture speech, he claimed an intention to limit hotel capacity yet has authorised 1,419 places over the past two years.
The socialist criticised Clavijo for continuing to support “that developmental, unjust, unsolidary, and economic model that our Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands has.”
“You have had opportunities to choose throughout these two years of the legislature and you have consistently chosen against the weak and the most vulnerable. When it came to choosing between the social majority advocating for wealth redistribution generated by the tourism sector, you stood with businesspeople,” Franquis stated.
Furthermore, he elaborated that when it came to choosing between entrepreneurs and workers calling for wage improvements, “he chose to side with businesspeople”; and that when it was time to decide on maintaining tax deductions for the social majority, “he opted to reduce taxes for the highest earners.”
