Francisco Linares has reaffirmed his leadership of the Canarian Coalition in Tenerife with 98% of the votes from the 300 delegates present at the VI Insular Congress, which concluded yesterday after two days at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds. Rosa Dávila, the Secretary of Organisation, will again be part of a new Executive, which for the first time in the party’s 32-year history, is composed of 15 women and 15 men. The assembly unanimously approved the political presentation for Tenerife, where the president of the Cabildo commits to introducing an Insular tourist rate alongside a Residence Law. Additional aspects of the proposal include continuing the implementation of eco-taxes in protected natural areas, with revenues allocated for conservation, monitoring, restoration, and environmental awareness.
Residence
The proposal for a residence law for the Canary Islands, which accompanies the tourist rate, emerged as a key conclusion from the VI Insular Congress. In this context, Francisco Linares enjoyed unanimous backing. Paco, as he is popularly known within the party, is not Guiorgui Dimitrov (“no desire,” he would probably remark), but yesterday was confirmed in his leadership role, much like the legendary secretary of the Communist International.
Strength
The final day of the forum showcased a party that seems to have navigated through its challenging four-year period (2019-2023) and is now robust enough to tackle incoming elections, with aspirations to govern at local, insular, regional, and national levels.
Conjura
In this regard, the party is determined to secure four deputies in Congress, which would enable it to establish a parliamentary group. This strategy aims to provide a voice for “the solitary Canarian voice in Madrid,” previously represented by Cristina Valido and Ana Oramas. Notably, some references to Pedro Sánchez and his socialist government resonated during the nationalist congress over the weekend. Oramas even stated that elections are expected next autumn. Cristina Valido clarified this announcement but affirmed, “If it happens, we are ready.”
Pieces
There are minimal connections to past times when families were part of CC. From mediators like historic Víctor Díaz to his brother José Alberto’s Tamaragua, and further alliances with Alfonso Cabello’s Godiland. Background conversations highlighted the 15 Canarian deputies in Madrid who are perceived as “aligned with interests contrary to those of our land and our people,” specifically referencing the PP and PSOE. Both parties were represented yesterday, with their leaders Lope Afonso and Tamara Raya in attendance.
Experience
Carlos Alonso, the former president of the Cabildo, adeptly led the discussions. Amidst ovations, applause, and green cards indicating approval, he paid tribute to figures such as Manuel Hermoso, currently in fragile health, and the late Victorian Ríos. Veterans like Isidoro Sánchez and Alonso Arroyo made their presence felt at the fairgrounds.
Moreover, there were significant acknowledgments of the unsung contributors at CC, including Carol, Pino, Nuria, Yayi, the historic Lagunera Fermina, and Alex, whose efforts were pivotal to their success.
Re-elected
After renewing his leadership, Linares asserted that “we shall govern our training completely autonomously.” He emphasised that “the future for Tenerife is a courageous yet calm presentation, devoid of stridency and geared towards dialogue.” He believes “Tenerife is at a turning point and requires listening to its citizens, which is precisely what we have done.”
Bridge
The newly appointed insular secretary expressed that “although we initiated discussions on the tourist rate a few months ago, we must continue our dialogue, and I urge other political forces to join us in discussions about the type of Tenerife we wish to create together.”
Model
“We do not oppose tourism; we merely wish to contemplate the type of tourist model we aim to pursue for the benefit of our people,” he asserted. In this vein, he mentioned the necessity of a residence law that ensures private housing is not exclusively available to non-residents. He finally highlighted the importance of addressing demographic debates.
Youths
Linares concluded: “All of this is to ensure that our young people do not leave Tenerife and the Canary Islands.” Indeed, the youth stand as one of the two cornerstones of the new CC, alongside the sector commissions “to engage with our populace.”
Rate
The nationalists from Tenerife advocate for the implementation of the island’s tourist rate, which will not affect Canarian residents or vulnerable groups. The revenue generated from this rate, according to their plans, will fund sustainability initiatives, cohesion, a circular economy, and climate change adaptation efforts to mitigate the impact tourists have during their stay on our island (zero footprint). Moreover, the outcomes will be presented by the Canarian Coalition of Tenerife at a meeting scheduled for the end of the year.
Resolutions
Meanwhile, the nationalist members unanimously deliberated and endorsed four resolutions concerning Venezuela – with Efraín Medina being a key figure – alongside topics of Youth, culture, identity, diversity, and equality. Additionally, the Nationalist Congress approved with their customary consensus the presentations addressing island and municipal regulations over these two days.
Spirit
“Preserve and promote our culture, dialect, traditions, and customs,” concludes the document ratified by Congress. A longstanding base member encapsulated their spirit: “Paco, Rosa, Fernando, and Cristina embody the present, but we must not forget the legacy of Manolo (the beautiful), Ricardo (Melchior), or Ana (Oramas). Above all, we are the militants, the people who have dedicated themselves over four years in challenging environments. That is the essence of the Canarian Coalition in Tenerife.”
