New Youth Organisation Launched in Canary Islands to Empower Young Voices
Juventud Canarista (JC), linked to the progressive party Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista (NC-BC), held its inaugural national congress on Saturday, themed “The Future Present.” The event marked the official establishment of the organisation, where its political agenda was approved unanimously, along with its first national leadership.
Zaida Padilla was chosen unanimously as the Secretary General, leading a team that includes Iván Santana for Organisation, Pablo Jefté for International Relations and Treasury, Nelson Javier Marichal for Environment and Territory, Anhara Espinel for Sport and Active Living, Violeta Araña for Economy and Employment, and Nerea Espinel for Culture.
The congress affirmed two key foundational documents: “The Canary Islands We Want to Build” and “Identity and Project,” which will guide the organisation’s direction over the coming years.
Padilla emphasised the organisation’s mission to make youth participation a tool for social and political transformation. She stated, “Juventud Canarista aims to ensure that young people in the Canary Islands have a voice, are heard, and have a platform to share concerns, propose solutions, and actively participate in shaping the future of our islands.”
The organisation’s framework focuses on creating an environment where young people can pursue their life goals without needing to leave the islands. It advocates for a model based on social justice, equal opportunities, sustainability, economic diversification, enhanced public services, and active youth involvement.
Currently, Juventud Canarista consists of a nine-member executive body, with approximately fifty active young members primarily in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and La Gomera.
With this congress, Juventud Canarista aims to establish itself as a political reference for progressive nationalist youth in the Canary Islands, focusing on key issues such as employment, housing, education, mental health, equal opportunities, and environmental protection.
Padilla highlighted the organisation’s commitment to fostering conditions for young people to build their lives in the islands, advocating for decent jobs, housing access, and opportunities to prevent local talent from emigrating.
She reiterated that Juventud Canarista will operate independently while upholding the progressive nationalist principles of its parent party, Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista.
Luis Campos, the national Secretary General of NC-BC, noted the strategic significance of the new organisation’s formation, aligning with key commitments from the VI national congress held in July 2025. Campos stated that Juventud Canarista will maintain political and organisational autonomy, enabling it to make independent decisions and foster youth leadership in shaping the Canary Islands’ future.
