The situation, described by the Canary Islands president as a "colonial disregard," has eroded trust and could lead to the withdrawal of parliamentary support for the Central Government. The crisis originated after Madrid's decision to assume health control and order the vessel's anchoring in the port of Granadilla, Tenerife, despite opposition from the Canary Islands Government.
“"Politics is not for alarming but for providing solutions."
This intervention in autonomous competencies, unprecedented since the transfer of health powers to the regions in 1981, has generated deep discontent. The Canary Islands Government has criticized the lack of transparency and unilateral decision-making, especially given the perceived laxity in the evacuation operation, which included passengers without masks and the repatriation of some with symptoms.
The hantavirus outbreak on the Hondius, originating from Argentine Patagonia, has caused three passenger deaths and infected eight others, highlighting its high lethality. Despite the Canary Islands' experience in managing international health crises, the Central Executive invoked its exclusive competence in External Health to impose its decisions.
The tension has been publicly evident, with statements from Central Government ministers and the Spanish Prime Minister, who, without directly naming the Canary Islands president, alluded to the situation. This rift could have repercussions in the Congress of Deputies, where the support of the Canary Islands political party is crucial for the stability of the Central Government.
