Canary Islands President Rejects Bilateral Funding Discussions with Catalonia

Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Canary Islands, has firmly dismissed any notions that the Ministry of Finance is currently involved in bilateral negotiations concerning a new autonomous financing model with Catalonia. His stance highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding regional financing in Spain.

New Collaborative Agreement Established in Barcelona

In a recent meeting held in Barcelona, Clavijo met with Salvador Illa, the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia. During this significant encounter, the two leaders signed a collaborative agreement that spans multiple sectors, including sustainable tourism, cooperation with countries that are sources of migration, and innovation initiatives. The discussions also touched upon urgent housing challenges that both regions are facing, showcasing a commitment to work together on pressing social issues.

Clavijo’s Firm Rejection of Bilateral Negotiations

Following their meeting, Clavijo addressed the media, clarifying that he did not raise the topic of financing reform with Illa. He noted that this subject had already been thoroughly discussed in a prior meeting that took place in January in Tenerife. His remarks were a direct response to comments made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero, who had suggested that the financing model would include both multilateral and bilateral approaches. Clavijo strongly opposed this idea, stating emphatically that “the resources belong to all Spaniards,” underscoring his belief in a collective approach to resource allocation.

Concerns Over Trust and the Negotiation Climate

Clavijo expressed significant concerns regarding the potential for bilateral negotiations to foster “distrust and uncertainty.” He articulated that such an environment is detrimental to the intricate negotiations that lie ahead. The President emphasized the necessity of acknowledging the distinct needs of various regions, including the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla, in the formulation of the new financing model. This perspective reflects a broader concern about ensuring equitable treatment for all autonomous communities within Spain.

Commitment to the Distribution of Migrant Minors

Addressing the issue of unaccompanied migrant minors arriving in the Canary Islands, Clavijo recognized Catalonia’s consistent adherence to its responsibilities in this area. He noted that Illa reaffirmed the Generalitat’s commitment to continue accepting its designated share of these minors, which is crucial for maintaining a fair distribution of responsibilities among Spain’s autonomous regions. This cooperation is vital in addressing the humanitarian needs of these vulnerable populations.

Latest Developments on the ‘Canary Islands Decree’

Clavijo also provided an update regarding the ‘Canary Islands Decree,’ which encompasses funding commitments for the archipelago related to migration and the ongoing reconstruction efforts in La Palma. He revealed that he had a recent conversation with the Minister for Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, during which Torres indicated that it might be challenging for the decree to be presented at the upcoming Council of Ministers meeting. Despite this, Clavijo stressed the importance of addressing the decree by next Tuesday to ensure its validation before the end of the year. He cautioned that failing to approve the decree would represent a significant breach of agreement by the Government of Spain and the Deputy Prime Minister, who had previously concurred with him on this matter.

Key points

• Fernando Clavijo firmly rejects any bilateral negotiations regarding financing with Catalonia.
• A collaborative agreement was signed with Salvador Illa in Barcelona, focusing on various sectors.
• Clavijo emphasizes that resources should be discussed collectively, rather than through bilateral channels.
• Concerns have been raised about the potential for distrust and uncertainty in negotiation processes.
• Catalonia has committed to accepting its share of unaccompanied migrant minors.
• Clavijo provided an update on the ‘Canary Islands Decree’ related to migration and reconstruction funding.