Criticism of Migration Management and Papal Visit in the Canary Islands

The article questions the central government's migration policy and the Canary Islands' preparedness for the new European Migration Pact.

Generic image of political debate on migration and Europe.
IA

Generic image of political debate on migration and Europe.

The article questions the central government's migration policy, the management of the papal visit, and the Canary Islands' preparedness for the new European Migration Pact.

The opinion piece criticizes the upcoming visit of President Pedro Sánchez to the port of Arguineguín, contrasting it with previous migration crisis management and questioning the government's strategy regarding the new European Migration Pact.
The author recalls the Sánchez government's refusal to rescue the Open Arms ship in 2019, juxtaposing it with the current willingness to receive potential hantavirus-infected individuals at the port of Granadilla. The author suggests that the Executive's humanitarian commitment is driven by propaganda convenience.
The criticism extends to the lack of preparation for the imminent entry into force of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. It is pointed out that this pact tightens access conditions to the EU and requires significant changes in migration management and protection rules, for which the most affected autonomous communities, such as the Canary Islands, lack the necessary resources.
The "astonishing" governmental negligence and the central government's "mutism" towards the autonomous administrations are highlighted. These administrations have expressed their "stupefaction" at the lack of communication and negotiation regarding resources and means.
The author concludes that the current Executive's priority appears to be short-term political survival, neglecting long-term planning and the management of migration crises that particularly affect the Canary Islands as Europe's southern border.