Tenerife PSOE Raises Alarm Over Environmental Budget Cuts Amid New Fuel Tax Implementation

The PSOE of Tenerife has voiced strong objections to the recently approved 2026 budget by the Coalición Canaria and the Partido Popular, highlighting significant reductions in funding for essential environmental initiatives, including those aimed at preserving the Teide National Park. The party’s concerns center around the apparent contradiction between the introduction of a new fuel tax and the subsequent cuts to environmental financing.

Significant Budget Reductions and Their Implications

On Tuesday, the PSOE outlined its criticisms, revealing that the newly implemented fuel tax, referred to as the forestry cent, is intended to enhance environmental funding. This tax, which is set at €0.01 per litre, is projected to generate approximately €4.8 million. However, the proposed budget for 2026 indicates a troubling decrease in the allocation for the Natural Environment department, dropping from €75.42 million in 2025 to €72.97 million in 2026. This reduction amounts to €2.45 million, or a decline of 3.2%.

In addition to the overall budget cuts, investments that are vital for activities such as reforestation, firefighting, and the enhancement of recreational areas are expected to suffer a staggering decline of 31.8%. This would see funding plummet from €32.66 million to €22.27 million. Furthermore, the budget for the Teide National Park, which is currently facing challenges like overcrowding and insufficient maintenance, will also experience a cut, decreasing from €10.09 million to €9.85 million—a reduction of 2.4%.

Political Responses and Calls for Accountability

PSOE Secretary General for Tenerife, Tamara Raya, did not hold back in her criticism of the budgetary decisions made by the ruling parties. She stated, “The data is clear: Coalición Canaria and the Partido Popular are charging more to Tenerife residents to protect the environment but are allocating less money to do so.” Her comments underscore the disconnect between the increased tax burden on residents and the reduced financial support for environmental protection initiatives.

Raya further emphasized that the funding for Teide National Park is being cut at a critical time, especially following a summer marked by overcrowding and visible deficiencies in conservation efforts. She also noted that neither the 2025 nor the 2026 budgets account for any revenue from previously announced measures, such as charging for access to Teide or visits to Masca. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and accountability.

Impact on Local Communities and Environmental Stewardship

The PSOE of Tenerife has issued a stark warning that these budget cuts will have detrimental effects on local residents. As fuel costs rise due to the new tax, the island’s resources dedicated to protecting its natural landscapes are simultaneously being diminished. Raya articulated her concerns, stating, “The environment is not cared for through taxation but through planning, investment, and genuine commitment. Raising fuel prices only to cut environmental resources is a political irresponsibility and a lack of respect towards the people of Tenerife.”

Local communities are likely to feel the repercussions of these budgetary decisions, as the cuts could hinder vital conservation efforts and limit access to natural spaces that are crucial for both tourism and the well-being of residents. The PSOE’s criticism highlights a broader concern regarding the balance between fiscal policy and environmental responsibility, urging the government to reconsider its priorities in light of the pressing environmental challenges facing the region.

Key points

• The PSOE of Tenerife criticized budget cuts to environmental funding for 2026.
• A new fuel tax, set at €0.01 per litre, is expected to raise €4.8 million.
• Funding for the Natural Environment department will decrease from €75.42 million to €72.97 million.
• Investments in reforestation and firefighting are projected to drop by 31.8%.
• The budget for Teide National Park will be reduced from €10.09 million to €9.85 million.
• PSOE Secretary General Tamara Raya condemned the cuts as politically irresponsible.
• Local residents will face higher fuel costs while environmental resources are diminished.