Canary Islands President Urges Rapid Approval of Key Measures
Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, announced that the Spanish Cabinet has approved the “first wave of measures” planned in a meeting with Finance Minister Arcadi España and Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory Ángel Víctor Torres.
Clavijo revealed that the government has formalised allocations totalling €45 million for employment, €30 million to combat poverty, and €23 million to address crisis impacts. He also mentioned approved initiatives for the ports of La Luz in Gran Canaria and Granadilla in Tenerife.
“This is the first wave of measures we committed to, and today we’ve been able to deliver,” stated Clavijo. However, he noted that several matters remain on the agenda, including the additional Posei funding, a 60% income tax discount for La Palma residents, and €100 million earmarked for the island. These issues are expected to be addressed in the Cabinet meetings on 25 August or 1 September.
Clavijo expressed optimism that results from these agreements are gradually becoming apparent. During a meeting with the Fishermen’s Guild of Punta del Hidalgo in Tenerife, he stressed the need for a dedicated fishing Posei within the EU’s new multiannual financial framework to support the Canary artisanal fleet.
He emphasised that institutions must focus on governance and resolving citizens’ problems, arguing that legislative sessions should continue as long as there is sufficient consensus to push through initiatives, such as budgets. Clavijo expressed concern that a lack of state budgets could hinder regional administrations by forcing reliance on decrees to update funding, resulting in significant setbacks for the Canaries.
