Canary Islands President Pushes for Progressive Open Government Legislation

The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at bolstering transparency and enhancing citizen engagement through the forthcoming Open Government Law. This ambitious proposal is designed to modernize the relationship between the government and its constituents, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and valued in the decision-making process.

Fostering a Collaborative Environment

At a recent event dedicated to discussing the draft of the Transparency and Citizen Participation Law, Clavijo underscored the necessity of cultivating a more collaborative environment between the government and its residents. The informative sessions, organized by the Ministry of the Presidency, Public Administrations, Justice and Security, successfully attracted an audience of 250 participants at the Government Presidency hall in Tenerife. Clavijo expressed his gratitude for the constructive feedback received from citizens and various organizations, asserting that their contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory framework of the new law.

The President’s commitment to transparency reflects a broader trend in governance, where public officials are increasingly recognizing the importance of engaging with the community. By actively seeking input from citizens, the government aims to create a more inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation and accountability.

Addressing Outdated Regulations

During the event, Nieves Lady Barreto, the Minister of the Presidency, highlighted the pressing need for modernization of the existing laws governing transparency and citizen participation, which were established in 2010 and 2014. She pointed out that the rapid advancements in technology and evolving societal expectations have rendered these regulations outdated. While acknowledging the pioneering nature of the previous laws, Barreto emphasized the necessity for stricter transparency standards and the introduction of a comprehensive sanction regime for non-compliance.

This call for modernization is not merely about updating legal texts; it reflects a deeper understanding of the changing dynamics of governance in the digital age. As citizens become more informed and engaged, their expectations for transparency and accountability from their government also increase. Barreto’s remarks resonate with a growing recognition that effective governance must adapt to these changes to remain relevant and effective.

Legislative Path Forward

Barreto further elaborated on the future steps in the legislative process, indicating that the new law aims to establish a more direct and meaningful relationship with citizens. This initiative seeks to facilitate genuine co-governance, where citizens are not just passive recipients of government decisions but active participants in shaping policies that affect their lives. The Ministry plans to finalize the draft of the new law by the end of the year, paving the way for a public hearing process to gather further feedback on the proposed text before it is submitted to Parliament.

The public hearing process is a critical component of this initiative, as it will allow citizens to voice their opinions and suggestions regarding the draft legislation. This approach not only enhances transparency but also fosters a sense of ownership among residents, as they will have the opportunity to influence the final outcome of the law. By prioritizing public input, the government demonstrates its commitment to a participatory democracy that values the insights and experiences of its citizens.

Key points

• Fernando Clavijo announced the forthcoming Open Government Law aimed at enhancing transparency.
• The initiative seeks to improve citizen engagement and foster a collaborative government-resident relationship.
• The informative sessions attracted 250 attendees in Tenerife.
• Current transparency laws from 2010 and 2014 are considered outdated.
• Nieves Lady Barreto emphasized the need for stricter standards and a sanction regime for non-compliance.
• The Ministry aims to complete the draft of the new law by the end of the year.
• A public hearing process will be conducted to gather feedback before submission to Parliament.