The Government delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, highlighted the significant reduction in irregular migration to the islands, reporting a 59.6% decrease as of July 31. This year, 4,675 individuals have arrived, compared to 11,575 during the same period last year, marking a reduction of 6,900 people. Pestana estimates the annual reduction will ultimately be between 30% and 40%.
According to the delegate, these figures are the result of "very good collaboration" with authorities from transit and origin countries, "especially" Mauritania and Senegal. A "containment in Morocco" is also observed, a country with which "the best possible relations" must be maintained, and with whom "we must collaborate and understand each other." This cooperation, he stated, makes the arrival of makeshift boats "more sporadic."
Pestana attributed this containment to agreements between the European Union and Spain, led by Pedro Sánchez and Ursula von der Leyen, which involve investments and financial commitments with these countries to reduce irregular immigration. This, in turn, helps to "avoid many deaths at sea" on the dangerous Atlantic route.
The delegate acknowledged that "a good part of the population" wishes to leave their home countries due to conflict, hunger, poverty, and the effects of climate change, particularly from The Sahel. However, he noted that "what has changed is the collaboration and commitment of local authorities," including the arrests of military officials and public figures involved in migrant mafias. "As long as this commitment is maintained, there will be significant containment," he assured.
Regarding Morocco, Pestana expressed satisfaction with the "notable" collaboration, emphasizing the obligation to cooperate with a country undergoing "full economic development," which can improve the lives of its population. He described the recent tragedy in Ceuta, with over 130 deaths, as "tremendous" and recalled that "no one knows better than the Canary Islanders" what it is like to emigrate.
Concerning the guardianship of migrant minors, the delegate reminded autonomous communities of their legal obligation to comply. "Canary Islands is in a migratory contingency, and this Government Delegation continues to sign resolutions" to transfer minors to other regions with reception capacity. He warned that "everyone must assume their responsibilities" and that refusal to comply with the law could lead to intervention by the Public Prosecutor's Office and "criminal prosecution of authorities."
