Parliament approves 2026 Canary Islands budget as opposition rejects it
The Parliament of the Canary Islands approved on Tuesday the General Budget for 2026, which envisages non‑financial spending of €12.491,4 million, a 7 % increase over the previous year. The budget will take effect on 1 January.
The proposal passed with the votes of Coalición Canaria (CC), Partido Popular (PP), Agrupación Socialista Gomera (ASG), Agrupación Herreña Independiente (AHI) and the independent deputy Marta Gómez. PSOE, Nueva Canarias and Vox voted against it.
During the plenary debate, Finance Minister Matilde Asián argued that the budget provides “stability to the Canary Islands” in a “complex context” marked by national uncertainty and the pending reform of the autonomous financing system. Government‑supporting parties highlighted the reinforcement of essential public services, social policies and fiscal measures aimed at housing access and support for families, self‑employed workers and SMEs.
The opposition denounced a lack of dialogue during the parliamentary process and criticised the economic and social model reflected in the accounts. PSOE claimed that only 3 of its 544 amendments were accepted, while Nueva Canarias noted that just one of its 264 partial proposals was incorporated. The debate underscored the clash between the governing bloc and opposition groups on issues such as fiscal policy, public investment, housing, university funding and aid to the banana sector of La Palma.
Nationalist (CCa) view: a “fairer” and improved budget
The nationalist group defended the 2026 budget as “more fair” and improved.
“The final project incorporates amendments that strengthen health, education, housing, social services and support for the primary sector. The budgets offer certainty and allow the Canary Islands to move forward,” said José Miguel Barragán, spokesperson for CC.
CC emphasized that the accounts guarantee political stability and an increase in social spending that exceeds €8 billion.
Nueva Canarias (NC‑BC): “unjust and antisocial”
Nueva Canarias justified its negative vote, describing the budget as “unjust, antisocial and designed for the elites.”
“There is a lack of fiscal justice, our amendments were largely rejected, and the legal risk of the aid planned for La Palma’s banana growers is alarming,” said deputies Esther González and Carmen Hernández.
The party argued that the budget favours tax benefits for higher incomes and fails to address structural problems such as housing, health care and poverty.
PSOE: “unrealistic, regressive and lacking ambition”
PSOE also voted against the 2026 budget, labeling it “unrealistic, regressive and without ambition.”
“We see cuts in education, housing, dependency and innovation, and the government is deepening social inequality,” asserted Sebastián Franquis, PSOE spokesperson.
The socialists proposed an alternative plan with €458 million to strengthen redistribution, productivity and public services.