The proposal aims for the REF not only to attract investment but also to promote work-life balance, enhance training, improve job quality, and boost the hiring of vulnerable groups in the Canary Islands. Ramos supported the REF commissioner's initiative on bonuses for companies that advance in this direction.
“"Linking tax benefits to social objectives and, in turn, to human capital must be a priority."
The ASG parliamentarian highlighted that the Canary Islands face structural challenges such as remoteness, territorial fragmentation, and their status as an outermost region. These difficulties are exacerbated in the non-capital islands, especially in the so-called Green Islands, where double or triple insularity increases business overheads.
Given this reality, Ramos considered the proposal for a Canarian capitalization reserve linked to social objectives to be “more than appropriate.” This measure would allow for better adaptation of fiscal instruments to the specific needs of the archipelago's economic and labor fabric.
The social orientation of the REF gains particular relevance in light of current social indicators. The AROPE rate of poverty or social exclusion in the Canary Islands is around 36%, showing that a portion of the employed population remains vulnerable. Furthermore, some vulnerable groups exceed a 20% unemployment rate, reinforcing the need for measures that generate employment opportunities and improve productivity.
“"With measures like this, we are going to improve productivity, and that allows companies to pay their employees more."
Finally, Ramos called for political consensus to advocate for the necessary modifications to the REF before the State, valuing the commissioner's work to update this economic instrument. He insisted that the REF must continue to be refined to offer real benefits for both companies and the human capital within them.
