During a parliamentary appearance, Jesús Ramos, deputy spokesperson for the Agrupación Socialista Gomera (ASG) Parliamentary Group, emphasized that this legislature has marked a turning point in the management of civil protection in the autonomous community. Due to its fragmented archipelago status and the coexistence of risks such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, forest fires, floods, and migratory crises, the Canary Islands face a complex reality that demands a robust system.
The ASG deputy highlighted the reorganization of competencies within the ministry, which includes the creation of a specific structure with a Vice-Ministry of Emergencies and a strengthened General Directorate. These measures have facilitated progress towards greater command unity and effective resource coordination. He also underscored the regulatory development undertaken during this period, with the approval of Decree 28/2025 and the future Civil Protection Law, currently in preparation.
“"All of this is part of a clear strategy: to modernize, unify, and professionalize the civil protection system in the Canary Islands."
Ramos also pointed out relevant operational improvements, such as strengthening territorial deployment with regional presence on all islands, launching the Emergency Support Unit, and incorporating new technological tools, including the use of drones in emergency situations. He acknowledged the coordinated response during recent adverse weather events, especially in Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera, where collaboration between the Government of the Canary Islands, the UME, island councils, municipalities, and volunteers was exemplary.
Despite the progress, the ASG deputy spokesperson warned that the system is still under construction and structural challenges persist that must be addressed with determination. He cited inequality in resources and capabilities among the islands, the need to strengthen effective coordination with island councils and municipalities, and the obligation to advance more decisively in prevention. He advocated for incorporating clear evaluation indicators on response times, deployment, and coordination, enhancing training and drills with common protocols for all responders, and continuing to promote a culture of self-protection among citizens.
“"There cannot be first and second-class Canarians in terms of security. Living on a non-capital island cannot mean having less capacity to respond to an emergency."
Finally, Ramos concluded that the emergency system focuses on people and their safety, and offered the collaboration of the ASG Parliamentary Group to continue improving with a constructive yet demanding attitude, emphasizing that strengthening the system is a shared responsibility.
