The leader of the Canary Islands Partido Popular (PP), Manuel Domínguez, has called on the Spanish government to “close the borders” in a bid to prevent further deaths of irregular migrants in the waters surrounding the archipelago. Domínguez believes this is the “best way” to save lives amid a recent spike in arrivals of small boats.
His comments follow the arrival of an irregular boat in Gran Canaria this week, which the NGO Caminando Fronteras claims resulted in the deaths of 85 individuals, including a baby. “They thought they were heading for a better life, but their lives ended instead,” he said.
Domínguez stressed that Spain cannot maintain open borders, advocating for “regular, orderly, and legal” immigration processes. He emphasised growing concern in the Canary Islands over the increasing number of boats reaching the islands.
He warned that the situation may worsen in the coming weeks due to calmer sea conditions expected in September and October. “We are seeing a rise in boat arrivals, particularly with the calmer waters we anticipate,” he added.
Finally, Domínguez urged the Spanish government to implement necessary measures to avoid a new migration crisis. “I sincerely hope they act urgently to close the borders and prevent a recurrence of the migration crisis we have been facing for years,” he concluded.
