Linares: CC Maintains "Non-Negotiable Ideological Boundary" with Vox

Francisco Linares, who is the Secretary General of Coalición Canaria (CC) in Tenerife, a regional deputy, and the mayor of La Orotava, recently spoke with DIARIO DE AVISOS. He stressed that CC maintains a "firm and non-negotiable ideological boundary with Vox."

Linares explained that the agreement made with Vox and the PP in the Granadilla City Council was "an exceptional and specific management agreement" to form a government focused on practical matters, "without any ideological burden."

Regarding the relationship between the Canary Islands Government and the Spanish Government, Linares described it as "correct, but far from satisfactory."

On His Political Future

When asked about his future political plans, including whether he would run for mayor of La Orotava again, Linares stated, "I will decide my political future, as I always do, in mid-summer of 2026; it is still early, and at this point, I haven't considered it."

He added that he is currently focused on his duties as mayor of La Orotava until May 2027 and his work as a deputy for Tenerife. He believes it would be "irresponsible and absurd" to think about his future when there is so much work to be done.

Assessment of Government Pacts with PP

As the insular Secretary General of CC, Linares gave a positive assessment of the government agreements with the Popular Party (PP) in the Autonomous Community, the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo), and the Santa Cruz City Council.

He said these pacts, signed in June 2023, are "in excellent health" and have proven to be "stable, solid government agreements with a strong programmatic commitment" to improve the lives of Canarian citizens. He noted that personal relationships between the leaders of CC and PP in these institutions are also good.

Linares believes that in the current political climate, absolute majorities are rare, and future governments will likely be formed through agreements between various political parties, similar to other European countries. He emphasized that political agreements are made to be fulfilled, provide stability, and solve people's problems.

Pacting with Vox

Linares reiterated that Coalición Canaria "continues to draw an insurmountable and non-negotiable ideological red line with Vox." He described CC and Vox as "antagonistic, equidistant, and incompatible political forces," stating that CC would "never sign any agreement with Vox that ideologically implies a renunciation" of their principles.

He clarified that the only pact involving Vox in Tenerife is in Granadilla, which he described as an "exceptional and specific local pact" focused purely on municipal management to improve the town, "without any ideological burden." He also clarified that CC's agreement in Arona is solely with the PP, not with Vox.

Relations Between Central and Regional Governments

Linares described the institutional relations between the Canary Islands Government and the Spanish Government as "correct, but far from satisfactory."

He explained that the Canary Islands Government, led by President Clavijo, has expressed dissatisfaction with how the Spanish Government has treated the islands. This includes slow fulfillment of commitments made in the Canarian Agenda and a lack of effective response to the migration crisis affecting the Canary Islands.

Linares also expressed dissatisfaction with the "obscurantist and opaque policy" between Spain and Morocco, arguing that the Canary Islands, due to their location, should have a greater voice and presence in these discussions.

Current State of the Canary Islands

When asked if the Canary Islands are worse off than in the previous legislature, Linares argued that the islands are "better than the Canary Islands that the current Government found in July 2023."

He cited several improvements:

• Employment: The best employment figures in recent history and a record number of self-employed workers with increased aid.
• Poverty and Social Exclusion: Improved data, though still insufficient.
• Dependency Care: Improved data and shorter waiting times for disability status with the introduction of the disability card.

Linares acknowledged that much work remains but pointed to objective data showing improvement. He also highlighted "crucial and courageous decisions" such as declaring Housing, Water, and Energy Emergencies, and approving regulations to speed up urban planning licenses. He also mentioned the approval of the Tourist Housing Law to regulate the sector.

Regarding traffic jams in Tenerife, he admitted they haven't ended but noted that measures taken by the Island Council, such as improving public transport, diversifying university entry times, increasing health services at Hospital del Norte, and advancing major road projects and train plans, are helping to ease congestion. He called this an "improvement, not a definitive solution, but an improvement."

Tourist Tax and Teide National Park

Linares believes that a tourist tax will be implemented "sooner rather than later," as in most tourist destinations. He supports studying its collection, provided Tenerife residents are exempt. He stressed that any decision should come from consensus and debate involving tourism associations and civil society groups.

He expressed satisfaction with the Cabildo's approval of collecting various tourist ecotaxes in protected areas like Teno and Teide National Park, seeing it as a positive step.

Regarding modifying the Master Plan of Teide National Park for film shoots, Linares stated that the plan has already been modified and approved by a large majority. He believes it is a good working document that incorporates many suggestions from Tenerife society.

National Politics and Pedro Sánchez

On national politics, Linares believes that given the current parliamentary instability and its impact on the Spanish Government's decision-making, Pedro Sánchez should face a vote of confidence. If he fails, which Linares considers likely, Sánchez should call general elections for "consistency, honesty, and democratic health."

He highlighted that Spain having an extended budget for two years, and potentially a third, is unprecedented in the EU and harms local administrations and citizens.