More than twenty social, union, community, and political groups will present a manifesto at the Cabildo de Gran Canaria this Thursday, July 16, opposing the planned public spending for the 2030 Football World Cup. They are demanding that these funds be redirected to address urgent social needs, particularly housing.
The presentation is scheduled for 10:30 AM at the Cabildo’s General Registry (Casa Palacio) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The document, titled “No to Wasteful Public Spending for the 2030 World Cup. Yes to Housing, Socio-Healthcare, and Public Services”, will be submitted by the organisations involved.
The manifesto highlights the signatories’ rejection of proposed public investment for the expansion and refurbishment of the Gran Canaria Stadium for the sporting event. Instead, they urge that funds be allocated to tackle structural issues such as the housing crisis, lengthy waiting lists for socio-healthcare services, and deficiencies in essential services like healthcare, education, and social support.
The groups insist that, given the current social circumstances, administrations should focus on policies that secure fundamental rights rather than investments in temporary infrastructure. They are also calling on the Cabildo to reconsider the project, halt any budget increases until a broad public debate is held, and ensure transparency regarding the final costs, funding, and future management of the stadium.
Signatory organisations include CCOO, UGT, Intersindical Canaria, Podemos Canarias, Izquierda Unida Canaria, Verdes Canarias, Derecho al Techo, Tamaranae Activistas, and the Communist Party of Canarias, among other social and community groups from the island.
