The spokesperson for Coalición Canaria in the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Vidina Cabrera, along with councilors Julio Rodríguez and Carlos Culebras, has presented a critical assessment of the governance by nationalists and socialists at the helm of the island corporation. They accuse the current leaders of plunging the island into a state of "paralysis" in fundamental areas such as housing, mobility, social care, and youth policies.
On the eve of the Debate on the State of the Island, scheduled for next week, the nationalists argue in a statement that Gran Canaria has accumulated "more than a lost decade" without significant progress on the main issues affecting its citizens. "What they haven't done in eleven years, they are unlikely to do in the remaining year of their term," stated Cabrera, describing the island's management record as "negative to critical."
One of Coalición Canaria's primary points of contention is housing policy. The party asserts in its statement that the Cabildo has not built any public housing during the three consecutive terms of NC and PSOE. Cabrera criticized that the few housing developments announced, such as the 63 homes in El Secadero, are experiencing delays, and she considers the institutional response to the island's housing emergency to be insufficient. "A problem of this magnitude requires decisive action, not last-minute announcements when there is only one year left until the elections," she remarked.
For his part, councilor Carlos Culebras described the current socio-health care model as "obsolete" and denounced the situation at the Centers for Attention to People with Disabilities (CADI), whose management has faced recurring criticism from the opposition. Coalición Canaria calls for a model change that prioritizes intermediate care, teleassistance, support for the elderly and dependent individuals, and the strengthening of community support networks.
Regarding mobility, Julio Rodríguez stated that the separation of the Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility departments has led to a legislative period "without progress" in improving island circulation. The councilor criticized the lack of project execution on the road network and alleged a supposed lack of transparency in the planning of road works and maintenance contracts. He cited delays in actions committed by the Cabildo, such as the installation of a traffic light at Cuesta Ramón, as examples.
Coalición Canaria also faults the island government for its meager investment in youth and education policies. Cabrera stated that Gran Canaria allocates barely two million euros to scholarships, a figure she contrasted with Tenerife's 14 million or Fuerteventura's six million. "The commitment to the talent and competitiveness of young people has been non-existent over these eleven years," she asserted.
Looking ahead to the Debate on the State of the Island, Coalición Canaria will present proposals focused on improving traffic flow on the GC-1 between El Sebadal and Juan XXIII, creating a circular care network for the elderly, enhancing oversight of companies awarded socio-health service contracts, launching an Insular Youth Plan, expanding study grants, and establishing a pool of affordable rental housing for vacant properties.
