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Canary Islands: A New Approach to Migrant Crisis Management

Thursday 24 October 2024 - 14:35

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The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has expressed his satisfaction with the Spanish government's commitment to providing €100 million to address the ongoing migrant crisis in the region. This move, he believes, signifies a crucial understanding that the issue is a collective responsibility, not solely that of the Canary Islands.

In an interview with Telecinco, Clavijo highlighted the unique challenges posed by the arrival of unaccompanied minor migrants. "The law did not anticipate such a phenomenon," he explained, referring to the lack of consideration for unaccompanied minors arriving by boat. "Therefore, this funding will provide much-needed relief," he added, urging the major political parties to modify existing laws to better address the crisis.

Clavijo also rejected the 'Meloni model' for migrant centers, emphasizing the Canary Islands' immigrant heritage and the impossibility of erecting barriers to prevent those seeking a better future. When asked about his proposal to repatriate minors to Morocco and Senegal, he clarified that it was not a repatriation but rather an initiative to provide care for these minors in their home countries, with the Canary Islands retaining their guardianship.

"Canary Islands will make decisions in the best interest of the minors and the region," Clavijo stated, adding that the island's people should not bear the brunt of the migratory pressure from Africa and the Atlantic route alone. He expressed optimism about the possibility of a migration pact between the major political parties in Spain.