Ricardo Melchior, leading figure of Canary nationalism, dies

The well‑known politician served as president of the Tenerife Island Council from 1999 to 2013.

This morning the island lost one of the key architects of Canarian nationalism at the turn of the century, who also held the presidency of the Tenerife council in several legislatures.

Ricardo Melchior Navarro was trained as an industrial engineer, and his political career began in 1987 when he was appointed vice‑president of the Tenerife Island Council, serving as minister for various development areas of the island until 1999, when he became president of the island council.

He also served as a Senator for Tenerife during the 2004‑2008 term.

Melchior was always deeply involved in the development of his island and was linked to numerous scientific and R&D committees across Europe. Notably, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Science by the National University of Ireland.

He was equally committed to protecting the pre‑Hispanic heritage of the islands, successfully securing the return to Tenerife of many Guanche artifacts that had been held in collections worldwide.

“Today we say goodbye to a generous colleague and a benchmark of public service. Ricardo loved Tenerife and the Canary Islands through commitment, dialogue, and constant work. He left his mark on the council and on those of us who learned alongside him. A hug to his family. DEP, President. FC.” – Fernando Clavijo, President, posting on X.