The Lanzarote and La Graciosa branch of the Popular Party has accused the Spanish government of neglecting the Canary Islands, particularly Lanzarote, in handling immigration issues. María Jesús Tovar, the party’s president, questioned the absence of local representatives Dolores Corujo, Fajardo Palarea, and Pedro Viera during a period marked by a series of crises on the island.
According to the Popular Party, around 1,000 irregular migrants have arrived in Lanzarote since mid-September. Tovar described the current situation as “unsustainable for an island like Lanzarote” and called into question the government’s response over the past three years.
She highlighted concerns about the Centro de Atención Temporal de Extranjeros (CATE) in Arrecife, labelling it “deficient and lacking in basic humane conditions.” The centre reportedly has a capacity of about 150 people, yet over 200 migrants were present there during peak times in late September.
Tovar claimed these circumstances not only reflect the Spanish government’s poor management but also put pressure on rescue services, state security forces, and NGOs assisting migrants. She criticized the lack of adequate facilities to manage the arrivals and noted that episodes of overcrowding have become commonplace whenever multiple boats reach Lanzarote’s shores.
She concluded by accusing the Socialist Party of a recurring pattern of neglect, asserting they only express concern when resources are overwhelmed before quickly shifting focus away from the issue.
