SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 29. (Press Europa) –
The Vice President of the Canary Islands Government, Manuel Domínguez, expressed concern on Tuesday as the central government appears to be “seeking excuses” to avoid accepting unaccompanied migrants now that the decree has been approved and the Supreme Court has issued a ruling acknowledging that over a thousand asylum seekers in the Canary Islands must be accommodated within the national network.
In response to a query from the socialist group during the Parliamentary control session, he condemned the central government for its lack of engagement with the Canary Islands, suggesting that transfers could have already begun “the day after” the decree was approved.
“This has not occurred; they continue to search for an excuse to create a confrontation,” he commented, remarking that “one must have some nerve” when the state claims its reception services are “overwhelmed,” while in the Canary Islands approximately 5,400 minors are being cared for.
He also highlighted that the president of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García Page, has indicated that the decree should be challenged and reaffirmed his criticism of the Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, for being “subservient” to the Government.
“There is a distinct contrast between Mr. Torres and myself; I have insisted that the Government of Spain fulfil its obligations, which is to govern and address the needs of this territory,” he clarified.
The leader of the Socialist Group, Nira Fierro, condemned Domínguez for being “submissive” to her party following the rejection of the decree by the seven Canarian deputies, labelling it a “betrayal” of the Canary Islands that is worsened by the PP’s attempts to “undermine” a ratified agreement.
“You belong to a party that seems to suggest that children remain in the Canary Islands, which is shameful,” she stated, questioning Domínguez on whether he plans to take any “political responsibility” following the Congress vote.
