Primero Canarias, a party founded by former members of Nueva Canarias, held its first meeting for militants and supporters this Sunday at La Karpa in Vecindario. The event drew around 2,000 people from the island's 21 municipalities, according to the organization.
The event featured music and food, and included speeches from several mayors: Francisco García, mayor of Santa Lucía de Tirajana; Vanesa Martín, mayor of Ingenio and president of the Mancomunidad del Sureste; Juan Antonio Peña, mayor of Telde; Óscar Hernández, mayor of Agüimes and president of Municipalistas Primero Canarias; and Teodoro Sosa, mayor of Gáldar and vice-president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria.
“"Our strength is our militancy. No matter how many slogans you have, how many speeches you give, or how much news you generate, without militancy, there is no party."
Teodoro Sosa emphasized the crucial role of militancy for a party's existence and thanked attendees, noting that Primero Canarias can fill venues where others dare not convene.
The choice of Vecindario as the venue was a statement of intent and a clear show of support for the six councilors in Santa Lucía de Tirajana, including Mayor Francisco García, who were declared 'tránsfugas' (defectors) by the courts and have reported facing "harassment, insults, and conspiracies."
Sosa also denounced alleged political maneuvers by other parties aimed at hindering Primero Canarias's progress, citing examples in Santa Lucía and no-confidence votes against its mayors in San Mateo, Agaete, Guía, and Valsequillo.
The party's response is to "continue advancing in consolidating the municipalist project, establish assemblies in all 21 municipalities of Gran Canaria, and work hard to win the next elections." "We look to the future with enthusiasm because we were born to build positively," he stressed.
The notable presence of Marcial Morales, former mayor of Puerto del Rosario and ex-president of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, a historic leader of progressive Canarian nationalism, was highlighted.
“"If you live, think, and feel Canarian, then Canarias must hurt you, and you must vote for Canarias."
Sosa reiterated the call for the "Canarian vote" and political unity among Canarian forces to defend the islands' interests in Congress and the Senate, warning that division among Canarians benefits "Madrid."
Óscar Hernández emphasized the municipalist core of the project, highlighting its proximity to the people, understanding of local issues, and dedication to finding solutions. "Our only bosses are you," he stated, addressing the militants and supporters.
Hernández advocated for "another way of doing politics," grounded in "ethics and dignity," "dialogue, understanding, and public service," moving away from "insults and constant confrontation."
The mayor of Telde, Juan Antonio Peña, underscored the "open and inclusive character" of Primero Canarias, a project that "adds and multiplies" by valuing what unites Canarians.
Peña encouraged citizens to join the municipalist project to "fight for Canarias." Mayors Vanesa Martín and Francisco García also spoke, stressing the importance of strengthening the project through grassroots work, proximity, and active listening.
The meeting, which lasted from eleven in the morning until six in the evening, included music and refreshments. The organization intends to make it an annual event, coinciding with Canary Islands Day, to celebrate the identity of the municipalist project.
