Coalición Canaria Prepares for Its Most Participative National Congress in Years

In the upcoming months, Coalición Canaria (CC), a significant nationalist party in the Canary Islands, is gearing up for its VIII National Congress, an event that promises to be the most participative in recent years. This congress, scheduled for April 5 and 6, is set to be a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to redefine its political trajectory and address the unique challenges faced by the Canary Islands.

Participation and Enrichment of Proposals

The congress will see the participation of 329 delegates who will debate three key ponencias (policy proposals) that focus on critical areas: policies to boost the sustainability of the Canary Islands, the national identity of the Canarians and their integration within Spain and Europe, and the revision of the party's statutes[2].

The preparation for this congress has been extensive, with a period for amendments and proposals that closed on February 27. During this time, the party received nearly 300 enmiendas (amendments) from its local and insular committees, as well as from its youth sections. This high level of engagement is seen as a testament to the deep and inclusive debate that has been ongoing within the party.

Leadership and Objectives

Fernando Clavijo, the Secretary General of Coalición Canaria, has been instrumental in organizing these pre-congress meetings across the islands, including Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura. Clavijo has emphasized the importance of a strong and united nationalism to continue fighting for the rights of the Canary Islands in Madrid. He aims to recover the presence of Canarian nationalists in the Spanish capital to prevent the islands from suffering the consequences of state inaction[1].

Key Issues and Debates

The congress will delve into several pressing issues, including the sustainability of the islands, which is a critical concern given the unique environmental and economic challenges faced by the Canary Islands. The debates will also focus on the national identity of the Canarians and how this identity fits into the broader Spanish and European contexts.

Cristina Valido, the party's spokesperson in the Spanish Congress of Deputies, has been vocal about the need for more nationalistic representation in Madrid to address the singular difficulties of the islands. She has highlighted the importance of government responses to the islands' needs, including the recent issues related to transportation and aid for La Palma[1].

Impact on the Islands

The decisions made during this congress will have significant implications for the future of the Canary Islands. With the islands facing challenges such as immigration, environmental protection, and economic development, the party's stance on these issues will be crucial. The disappearance of the GRS (Grupo Rural de Seguridad) unit of the Guardia Civil from the islands, for instance, has raised concerns about security and public order, and the party may address this issue as part of its broader security and governance policies[4].

Conclusion

The VIII National Congress of Coalición Canaria is poised to be a landmark event for the party and the Canary Islands. With its focus on participation, sustainability, national identity, and governance, it promises to set a clear direction for the party's future actions and advocacy in Madrid. As the party prepares to engage in these critical debates, it is clear that the outcomes will have far-reaching consequences for the political, social, and economic landscape of the Canary Islands.