Morales Defends Public Services Against Authoritarianism

The President of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria warns of the threat to workers' rights and public freedoms.

Generic image of a union event with delegates and attendees.
IA

Generic image of a union event with delegates and attendees.

The President of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, defended the need to strengthen public services and democratic values against the advance of authoritarianism and ultra-conservative discourse.

During his speech at a CCOO (Comisiones Obreras) event in Gran Canaria, Morales warned that "the rights of workers, the welfare state, and public freedoms are threatened in Spain, Europe, and the world as they have not been since World War II." He stressed that defending the welfare state requires "constant combat" to ensure universal healthcare, education, and care policies.
The island leader noted that neoliberal policies over recent decades have weakened public services through privatization and reduced social spending, a deterioration that, he stated, "has a particular impact on the Canary Islands."
Morales emphasized the importance of restoring democratic values and citizens' trust in institutions, addressing key issues such as housing access, dignified employment, care policies, and public healthcare.
He also called for joint action between unions, social organizations, and public institutions to counter the rise of populism and hate speech, cautioning against the danger of discrediting public administrations and political action.
In this context, he championed the "Ecoísla" development model promoted by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, focused on a sustainable, egalitarian, and inclusive society. Morales concluded by reaffirming the insular government's commitment to democracy, universal public services, social justice, and equality, and appealed for the unity of progressive forces.