Canary Islands Keep a Cautious Stance with Venezuela, Focusing on Basic Aid for 70,000 Residents
President Fernando Clavijo says that “for now” everything boils down to Maduro’s capture and that “the regime continues” governing the country
The president of the Canary Islands government, Fernando Clavijo, reiterated on Monday the administration’s message of “prudence” regarding the political situation in Venezuela after the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. He stressed that the main priority now is to guarantee basic assistance for the 70,000 Canarians living in the Caribbean nation.
“What has happened so far is that Maduro has been removed, but the regime remains and a new president has been installed,” he told journalists after meeting with parliamentary spokespeople and the Canary Islands’ delegate in Caracas.
Clavijo added that the regional government maintains close contact with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, as well as with the Spanish consulate and embassy, to coordinate aid actions through the 26 Canary entities operating in Venezuela.
He explained that food and health cards are being distributed to purchase medication for residents of the so‑called “ancianatos” (elderly care homes) and that efforts are also underway to strengthen schooling.
The president, who plans to appear before the Canary Parliament to debate Venezuela’s political and social situation, expressed his desire that “the Venezuelan people, one day, be able to choose their rulers in democratic elections – that is the wish of everyone.”
Clavijo praised parliamentary groups for recognizing the work of the Vice‑Council for External Action and said he is awaiting developments, particularly the stance of the new interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, and how it may affect Canary entities and small businesses of the island community.
He reported that electricity supply in Caracas has almost fully recovered and that transport services have resumed after a period when authorities urged residents to “stay at home,” noting that “normality seems to be returning little by little.”
He also highlighted that the regional government’s aid is crucial, especially for the elderly and the most vulnerable, who suffer from the Venezuelan state’s neglect.
No One Knows What Will Happen
Clavijo emphasized that it is impossible to predict “what will happen” after Maduro’s removal, given the “speculation” surrounding possible phases of a U.S. intervention. In the meantime, he sees the Canary Islands’ obligation as “providing protection and support” to Canarians living in Venezuela.
He made clear that the Canary Islands government does not set national or international policy. He referred to the European Union’s letter—signed by all member states except Hungary—calling for calm and dialogue.
“What we must do, not only morally but also legally, is to support all those Canarians, give them the greatest certainty and security that their homeland will be there to back them, because right now we are being told there is a great deal of uncertainty,” he said.
Luz Reverón, spokesperson for the Popular Group (the rest met virtually), aligned with the president’s “prudence” message amid the country’s “uncertainty,” while noting that, for now, “calm” is being conveyed as they await what may occur in the next 72 hours.
Sebastián Franquis, spokesperson for the Socialist Group, praised the Canary Islands government’s initiative to convene spokespersons “to obtain more direct information on what is happening and what the Canarian community in Venezuela is experiencing.”
He expressed support for any initiatives that improve the living conditions of the Canarian community in Venezuela and that “they feel the backing and solidarity of the institutions and the Canary people.”
Franquis clarified that the PSOE does not recognize any intervention that “violates” international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, and it also does not acknowledge the results of the July 28 2024 elections.
“We will always support initiatives that help achieve a democratic, negotiated, and peaceful solution for Venezuela,” he stated.
He also stressed the importance of adequate coordination with the Spanish Embassy and the Consular Emergency Unit, so that, together with the Canary Islands delegation in Venezuela, “the best coordination exists” to provide services and benefits to the Canarian community there.