The president of the Canary Islands challenges the Socialists to a “frontal opposition” pact regarding the Debt Waiver of Catalonia.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 11 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, has called upon business owners to increase wages in order to enhance the distribution of wealth; otherwise, tax increases will be unavoidable.
“We would prefer that the funds remain within the pockets of Canarian families, as they are in need,” he remarked on the initial day of the ‘debate on the state of nationality’, during which he asserted that his government will “mediate” in collective discussions prior to the tourist strike during Holy Week, but not to “usurp” that responsibility. “You cannot ignore the sentiments of the public,” he said.
Clavijo has also challenged the Canarian Socialists to establish a “frontal opposition” agreement concerning the Debt Waiver of Catalonia, as it leaves the Canaries with an additional burden of “indebtedness” of 500 euros per person.
Furthermore, he has condemned the Canary Islands’ 50% cap on the total allocation, arguing that the archipelago is the “least indebted” community due to its past “responsible” conduct.
He noted ironically that it is “comic” for the Socialists to defend the interests of the Canary Islands and dismissed the notion of an “informational blackout”, while advocating for wage increases and acknowledging a decline in poverty in recent months. “The Canary Islands are improving,” he stated, although they are not yet “well.”
He also urged the PSOE to exercise “rigour” when addressing the ‘Flower Pact’, which reportedly had up to three directors and five SC directors, resulting in a “legacy” that is now being attempted to reverse.
Clavijo lamented the absence of “decorum” among the Socialists following their “disastrous” management, citing the accumulation of “unverified” merchandise in various hospitals across the islands as an example.
However, he acknowledged they are “worried” about the emergency situation, particularly at the HUC (Tenerife), leading to the initiation of a development strategy extending until 2026, with the first outcomes expected throughout this year. “The results are not immediate,” he noted.
The president opposed the “discourse of Pseudoprogresista” from the Socialists and the “arguments from Ferraz”, emphasising that it is not “left-wing” for workers receiving the minimum wage to pay taxes. “Come down a bit to the street,” responded the Socialist spokesperson, Sebastián Franquis.
They abandon the Canary Islands amidst immigration issues
He praised the housing decrees, although he acknowledged the need to wait for their effects, and condemned the central government’s management of immigration, which began with the “shame camp” at the port of Arguineguín that was dismantled by court order.
He also accused the state of “abandoning” the Canary Islands concerning the management of unaccompanied migrant minors.
He opposed the establishment of a tourist tax, instead defending the Vacation Rental Law, which is currently being processed in Parliament thanks to the “courage” of the Minister of Tourism, Jessica de León. “Where was the government during the previous four years?” he questioned.
Additionally, he assured that there will be a stable funding proposal for the two public universities, contingent upon the assurance that the funds will be “reinvested in society” and contribute to the transfer of knowledge, stating that the Canary Islands serve as an “example” in addressing disabilities.
