Torres urges Clavijo to accept the debt write‑down
Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, says the Canary Islands president must “defend the interests of the community more than those of the party.”
Torres called on Wednesday for Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo to accept the proposed cancellation of regional debt, arguing that doing so would protect the welfare of the archipelago rather than serve partisan goals.
Minister’s Remarks
During an interview on Hoy por Hoy Canarias (Cadena Ser), reported by Europa Press, Torres criticized Clavijo’s refusal to back the debt write‑off, describing it as a decision “taken by the PP” and noting that several regional leaders, including the head of Coalición Canaria, have also opposed the measure. He labeled the stance “a mistake” on the part of the Canary president.
“I do not at all share that the current president of the Canary Islands says there will be a juridical‑political battle. The political battle, we are all ready to sit down, because that is improving people’s lives through the public sphere, which we, as politicians, represent.”
Torres added that the “juridical battle” Clavijo mentioned would be “against a law that has a majority in the Spanish Parliament” and that the legislation is “very important for the communities.”
Clavijo’s Position
Clavijo announced on Tuesday that the Canary Government intends to launch a “judicial and political battle” to prevent the debt cancellation from being implemented. His administration argues that the proposed write‑off would be unlawful and could set a problematic precedent.
Opposition from the PP
Torres also referenced the People’s Party’s (PP) opposition to the debt forgiveness. Earlier in the week, PP Secretary‑General Miguel Tellado warned that the party’s “barons” would remain united against the measure, even though it could benefit certain territories.
The debate highlights a clash between regional fiscal relief proposals and national political dynamics, with the outcome poised to affect the financial future of the Canary Islands and other autonomous communities.