Parliament rallies behind the “Canary Decree” as PSOE abstains and NC‑bc and Vox oppose it

The plenary of the Parliament of the Canary Islands approved a resolution in the “Debate on the State of the Nation.” The four‑party groups supported the text, while the PSOE abstained. The resolution urges the central government to approve the “Decreto Canarias,” commit to the “Agenda Canaria,” and adopt several fiscal and territorial measures.

Key Points of the Resolution

• Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF): defended and updated, with the only dissenting vote coming from Vox.
• Autonomy Transfers: continuation of the Statute of Autonomy transfers.
• RUP Status: defense of the archipelago’s “RUP” status in the new EU financial framework.
• Housing Funding: request for additional state funds for housing construction (rejected by NC‑bc and Vox).
• Airport Management: call for co‑management of airports and de‑privatization of Aena (PSOE abstained; Vox voted against).
• Tourist Ecotax: the proposal to re‑introduce a tourist ecotax was rejected.

Socialist Party (PSOE) – Nira Fierro

“The government lives in a reality of ‘triumphalism’ while the islands are ‘upside down.’”

• Criticised President Fernando Clavijo for asking for more time after 30 years in office.
• Accused the executive of evading responsibility, blaming the central government, island councils, and municipalities.
• Highlighted the lack of action on rental price control, the tourist tax, and the holiday‑rental moratorium.
• Described the housing emergency declaration as a total failure with no results after a year and a half.
• Condemned the “policy of folded arms” and four years of lost opportunities, especially for the primary sector.
• Asserted that the PSOE will return to govern because “we owe only to the people.”

Nationalist Coalition (NC‑bc) – Esther González & Carmen Hernández

“The regional government moves away from reality and shows an incapacity to manage budgets and European funds.”

• Noted the absence of women in the first three nationality debates, despite the PP having a female spokesperson.
• Demanded a “great agreement” for sustainable tourism, citing uncontrolled growth that harms housing, public services, and natural resources.
• Called for a moratorium on further tourism expansion.
• Carmen Hernández attacked the “Canary mode” slogan as self‑promotion, criticizing tax cuts for “fortunate millionaires” who inherit large sums.
• Emphasised the need for greater investment in education and meeting the 5 % of GDP spending target as a “social elevator.”
• Warned against signing a program contract six months before elections to silence opposition.

Vox – Nicasio Galván

“A golden opportunity to transform the Canary Islands with European funds has been lost.”

• Described the renewable‑energy push as “suicide.”
• Criticised the islands for only managing migrant distribution without tackling the underlying crisis.
• Called the tourist tax (AIEM) “unfair” because it peaks while the industry declines, harming the majority.
• Attacked abortion policies and the lack of support for pregnant women.
• Warned that the autonomous system creates first, second, and third‑class Spaniards, granting territorial benefits to stay in power.
• Rejected the label “fascist,” defending individual liberty, and accused the left of wanting to control the internet after losing youth votes.

Canarian Coalition (CC) – Socorro Beato

“We cannot lower the guard; the ‘Decreto Canarias’ is the best tool in uncertain times.”

• Countered Fierro’s “apocalyptic discourse” and highlighted the outstretched hand of the socialist spokesperson.
• Defended the executive’s path of consensus over confrontation, noise, and budget paralysis.
• Supported the president’s call for autonomous financing, debt forgiveness, and RUP defense within the new EU multi‑annual framework.

People’s Party (PP) – Carlos Ester

“Canary Islands cannot be treated as a second‑class land.”

• Stated that things are going well despite the island PSOE’s collusion with the Spanish government.
• Pointed to declines in poverty, youth unemployment, and the lowest unemployment rate since 2008.
• Criticised the state’s deceptions and failures, insisting the four‑party coalition will stay the course despite opposition noise.

Alternative Space for Galicia (ASG) – Melodie Mendoza

“We are not asking for privileges; we are asking for justice.”

• Praised the four groups for finding common ground beyond partisan interests.
• Proposed fiscal measures for non‑capital islands, including a 60 % reduction in IRPF for the “green islands.”
• Criticised Finance Minister María Jesús Montero’s ignorance of higher costs in these islands.
• Shared a personal housing story: rent rose from €450 to €1,000 in ten years, questioning the sustainability of €1,300‑€1,500 rents.

Mixed Group – Raúl Acosta (AHI)

“The socialists’ cynicism lies in criticizing the Canary reality while sabotaging the necessary financial resources from the State.”

• Called for a “small REF” to aid non‑capital islands and offset higher costs.
• Urged a favourable vote on the four‑party resolution proposals, acknowledging that not all problems will be solved but refusing to resign to them.

The Parliament’s approval of the “Decreto Canarias” reflects a complex interplay of support, abstention, and opposition among the region’s parties, each framing the future of the Canary Islands in terms of fiscal autonomy, social policy, and sustainable development.