Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, and Oswaldo Betancort, President of Lanzarote’s Cabildo, appeared on Crónicas Radio’s “A Buena Hora” on Friday to discuss various topics, including the unity of nationalism and the PSOE’s attempts to implicate Betancort in local controversies.
Clavijo expressed skepticism about the candidacies declaring they would transform Lanzarote, suggesting many lack knowledge of administrative procedures. He cited the failed impact of previous representation in the Senate, asserting it only provided benefits for the senator and little for the island.
Betancort challenged the PSOE’s calls for an extraordinary council meeting regarding the issues with Angel Vázquez, proposing instead to include this in regular sessions to ensure transparency about costs.
Clavijo stated that a strong leadership during the last legislative period has significantly improved Lanzarote’s economy, positioning the island as a leader in economic growth and GDP per capita within the archipelago. He underscored the importance of political responsibility, asserting that politicians should prioritise their projects over personal ambitions.
They discussed the challenges faced by the PP in Lanzarote, including recent internal issues, and the need for strong governance moving forward. Clavijo indicated that Betancort’s leadership has surpassed previous chaotic management and noted that they need to work together for the greater good of Lanzarote.
Betancort also addressed allegations of his supposed attempts to shield Vázquez and reiterated that he respects the decisions made by his party regarding any necessary actions. He emphasized the importance of accountability in public management and rejected the notion of taking blame for external issues.
The discussion highlighted the necessity of preserving the integrity of political processes and maintaining open dialogues with various media, while also lamenting the current media landscape’s challenges. They pointed to the critical role of local journalism in guarding democracy, stressing the obligation of politicians to engage with all media outlets, regardless of their stance.
Clavijo concluded by outlining the need for political unity and proactive governance to address pressing issues, particularly relating to housing on the island, refuting the PSOE’s claims of credit for recent achievements and reaffirming their commitment to serve the people of Lanzarote.
