Recently, about two hundred militants gathered in El Tablero to elect the members of the governing bodies of Municipalistas Primero Canarias in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. A councilor from the town hall and national Organization Secretary of the party was unanimously proclaimed as the first local president of this new political force, which emerged from the grassroots of progressive nationalism on the island of Gran Canaria.
The party's leadership has stated that this figure represents the model they wish to replicate in the 21 municipalities of Gran Canaria, as well as in the island's government. The event was supported by important municipal figures, including the national president of Primero Canarias and mayor of Agüimes, and the vice president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and mayor of Gáldar, among other prominent leaders.
Despite conflicts with another political formation, from which a significant part of Primero Canarias's organization originates, the party's leadership assures that various municipal reports in San Bartolomé de Tirajana have supported their position. This situation has been replicated in other municipalities such as Arucas, Teror, and Santa Lucía.
“"What interests Municipalistas Primero Canarias is to improve the lives of citizens, not the 'sense of instability' and governance problems that others have championed for over a year, which leads to a feeling of 'shame' towards certain political representatives."
The party emphasizes its involvement in the real concerns of citizens and its commitment to a different way of doing politics, following examples of successful municipal management. They present themselves as a reliable alternative in southern Gran Canaria, with a base that includes young people, women, and new faces, in contrast to the old guard of Canarian nationalism.
“"We are here out of commitment to our people and our land, because we believe that amidst so much political noise, we must prioritize defending the Canary Islands. And for this, we must educate, and above all, educate to achieve the unity of the Canarian nationalist left for elections that are barely a year away."
The leadership of Primero Canarias highlights the need to build bridges with other political forces that can contribute to the project, even with those with whom there are differences. A forthcoming meeting of the Gran Canaria unity table has been announced for June, to which other nationalist formations will be invited.
The party calls for unity of political action among Canarian nationalists in Madrid through the Canarian Unity Table. They state that in a short time, they have managed to position themselves as the main nationalist political force in Gran Canaria, but insist on the importance of working at the grassroots level and convincing citizens that their proposal is the best option to defend their interests, staying away from sterile conflicts.
