Reverón has indicated that the PP has yet to reach a decision regarding its vote in Congress and emphasises that the agreement is overdue due to the “negligence” of the central government.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 19 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The political factions within the Parliament of the Canary Islands, excluding Vox, have united on Wednesday to support the reform decree-law of the Foreigners Law, which mandates the transfer of unaccompanied migrant minors to other autonomous communities.
The sole opposing voice at the ‘Canarian Pact for Immigration’, convened by the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, was the deputy spokesperson for Vox, Paula Jover, who remarked that “the Canary Islands have nothing to celebrate” as the decree “is yet another step towards insecurity and poverty.”
She noted that while many in the Canary Islands “are enduring serious challenges daily”, the commitment of the Canarian and central governments reflects a pact that also entails “accepting the blackmail of a political party such as independence together”, which also obtains immigration powers. “It is truly another step further into the disaster facing the Canary Islands,” she asserted.
Jover remains hopeful that the Constitutional Court, even if it serves “little more” than to guarantee “seats and salaries”, may halt the regulation or ensure it is not validated before any potential challenges arise. “We are aware that there are autonomous communities that do not agree with this legislation,” she added.
Casimiro Curbelo, spokesperson for the Gomera Socialist Group (ASG), remarked that the agreement is a testament to “perseverance, and perseverance despite numerous adversities” owing to the “unity” of all of the Canary Islands and the parliamentary factions.
However, he urged the need to “continue working” to develop policies linked to the EU to “mitigate a phenomenon that undeniably was present before, exists now, and will persist in the future.”
CC promotes exploration of cooperation with Africa
The spokesperson of the nationalist group, José Miguel Barragán, highlighted the “unity of action” of the Canarian population in “combating xenophobia” and promoting this agreement, commending, on an individual level, the efforts of the Canary President, Fernando Clavijo, the Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, the legal teams of the General Administration of the State and the Autonomous Community, and the NGOs involved. “This agreement emerges from a collective effort,” he stated.
He mentioned that “the challenging phase” of implementation is now imminent, commencing from March 31 when the certifications from the Autonomous Communities are anticipated.
Barragán expressed that although the decree-law may be contested, it is “solidly constructed”, and even if an appeal were to succeed, there remains the “obligation” to adhere to its terms.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the ‘Canarian Pact for Immigration’ continues to thrive despite the approval of the reform of the Foreigners Law, urging all involved to “maintain the spirit” and the Unity of Action.
He emphasised that we should not focus solely on “the problem of when the immigrant reaches the coast” but rather contribute our “grain of sand” from the Canary Islands to achieve “fewer and fewer reasons for individuals to leave their country of origin due to lack of dignified living conditions.”
Luz Reverón, the spokesperson for the Popular Group, congratulated Canarian society and her party for having succeeded in “providing stability” to the Canary Islands government in the pursuit of a solution, which she believes “has come too late”, as it had been requested for over a year.
She mentioned that the application and validation process is now open in Congress and clarified that the PP has yet to determine its voting stance.
“We will need to wait and assess the situation,” she said, clarifying that the solution “has materialised thanks to Junts”, indicating that the votes from the PP were not needed, despite a year of suffering from the “negligence” of the Spanish Government.
Reverón asserted that immigration is a “state issue”, and it is the state that “must engage” as immigration policy is a state, not autonomous, responsibility.
She reminded that the Popular Party has called for increased border enforcement, economic resources, and facilities, yet the government has neglected these requests, emphasizing that the Canary Islands are still owed 50 million euros by the central government. “The Government of Spain is the one that has not fulfilled its obligations here,” she stated.
The robustness of the decree is highlighted
Raúl Acosta, spokesperson for the Mixed Group (AHI), affirmed that there is now a rule that obliges the transfer of migrant minors after a year and a half of “intense effort”, and in light of potential unconstitutional challenges, he maintained that the decree possesses “sufficient robustness.”
He acknowledged the crucial roles played by both Clavijo and Torres in this negotiation that will aim to “relieve” the centres for minors in the Canary Islands, underscoring that the island of El Hierro, with 300, surpasses many autonomous communities.
Luis Campos, spokesperson for NC-BC, recognised that the agreement “has been a considerable challenge” but is now a reality, although he pointed out that “it is not the end of the journey, quite the opposite.”
He praised that “the general interest of minors has taken precedence”, and there has been “foresight” over “meanness, short-sightedness, and partisan interests in certain areas”, commending “the role of the entire Canarian society” in navigating a “complex” situation without succumbing to negative sentiments towards migrants.
Campos attributed his party with the authorship of the reform of the Foreigners Law, as it was included as an amendment during the signing of the ‘Canarian Pact for Immigration’, which all groups, aside from Vox, later supported.
He acknowledged that “initiating the second phase” is not straightforward as the decree requires further development, and “announcements” are being made suggesting attempts to “disrupt it, to hinder progress” and complicate the transfer of foreign minors.
“But he will face adversity head-on when the time comes,” he noted.
Franquis (PSOE) urges the PP not to obstruct
Sebastián Franquis, spokesperson for the Socialist Group, described it as a “fantastic agreement” for the Canary Islands, founded on the “road map” that has always been endorsed by his party and the Canarian government, despite earlier “doubts.”
He emphasised the “political unity in the Canary Islands” and the leadership of both Clavijo and Torres which has led to fruitful political negotiations.
Franquis particularly acknowledged the minister who “has played a pivotal role throughout this process” with his approach of “dialogue, understanding, and agreement”, also “discreetly” gathering support.
“We have witnessed instances in the Canary Islands where Canarian ministers have served in the Government of Spain, but I believe there is a noticeable difference in the work that Ángel Víctor has accomplished, particularly with this agreement,” he remarked.
Additionally, he pointed out that they have not received the “cooperation of the Popular Party from the outset, as they have employed double speak, saying one thing in the Canaries and another in Madrid”, so he hopes they will at least “not create obstacles” for this agreement to be executed in Congress and across the various autonomous communities.
“I hope, I reiterate, that the Government now concentrates on managing this matter, ensuring that this royal decree will undoubtedly be approved in April, marking a significant change in what we have experienced and endured in recent times,” he explained.
