Lola García and CCOO Canarias warn of the impact of international instability on the islands' economy
The president of the Fuerteventura Island Council and the Canary Islands Federation (FECAI), Lola García, together with representatives of Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) Canarias, have voiced concern over the possible repercussions that the current international climate of armed conflicts could have on the archipelago’s economy. In a meeting held on Tuesday, both sides agreed on the need to analyze and anticipate measures in a scenario marked by global economic uncertainty, which could significantly affect the Canary Islands due to their status as an ultra‑peripheral region.
Risk of Rising Cost of Living
The discussion was attended by CCOO Canarias’ general secretary Vanesa Frahija, Institutional Participation and Social Movements secretary José Ramón Barroso, and the Union Insular’s general secretary Gabriel Rodríguez. They warned that a combination of factors—including inflation, higher raw‑material prices, and the forecasted rise in European interest rates—could directly increase the cost of living for Canary residents.
Key sectors likely to feel the impact:
- Transport
- Energy
- Supply of goods and products
These areas are especially vulnerable on an island territory that heavily depends on external supplies.
Strengthening Participation and Social Policies
CCOO Canarias also called for bolstering institutional and citizen participation bodies, proposing the creation of island councils focused on:
- Elderly care
- Housing
- Gender equality
Such platforms would enable deeper involvement of administrations, unions, businesses, and social groups in decision‑making.
Lola García pledged to bring these demands to the other island councils at the upcoming FECAI General Assembly.
Key Challenges for Fuerteventura
The meeting highlighted priority issues for the island, including:
- Access to affordable housing
- Expansion of health‑social care places
- Improvement of mobility
The island president emphasized that these matters are on the Cabildo’s agenda, with initiatives based on investment and strategic planning aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Push for Economic Diversification
The union praised the work underway at the Fuerteventura Technological Park, which focuses on economic diversification, innovation, and the creation of new job opportunities. Both parties agreed on the importance of continuing to promote alternative strategic sectors to strengthen the resilience of the Canary economy amid an increasingly complex international context.