New Leadership for Movimiento Sumar in the Canary Islands

In a significant development for the political landscape of the Canary Islands, Movimiento Sumar has appointed Mila Hormiga and Jacinto Ortega as its new coordinators general. This decision was made during an autonomic meeting of Sumar Canarias, held in the city of La Laguna, Tenerife, on February 9, 2025.

A New Era of Political Engagement

Mila Hormiga and Jacinto Ortega were chosen by the members of Sumar Canarias after a comprehensive process involving contributions to the General Assembly. This appointment marks a new chapter for the movement, which aims to address the pressing issues faced by the residents of the Canary Islands.

Mila Hormiga: A Background in Social and Health Advocacy

Mila Hormiga, the new coordinator general, brings a wealth of experience to her role. She is a professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and has a long history of involvement in social and health issues. Hormiga has been associated with the trade union movement through Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) since her early days as a teacher. She served as a counselor for the Cabildo of Tenerife from 2015 to 2019. Her focus on health, territorial preservation, and housing reflects her commitment to addressing the core concerns of the Canarian population.

Jacinto Ortega: A Commitment to Social and Economic Transformation

Jacinto Ortega, the other coordinator general, has a diverse background that includes many years in the private security sector. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Social Work at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Ortega has held several key positions, including being a councilor for Social Services, Equality, and Youth in the municipality of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 2015 to 2019, and serving as a technical advisor to the Mayor's Office from 2019 to 2023. He is also the Secretary General of the Sindicato de Gremios Unificados de Canarias (SGU).

Key Issues and Future Directions

Both Hormiga and Ortega emphasized the importance of moving forward without dwelling on past coalition failures. They highlighted critical issues such as healthcare, the destruction of the territory, and housing as primary concerns that Sumar Canarias will focus on to propose solutions for the island's citizens.

Hormiga stated, "We have come to add without looking back at failed coalitions. Key issues like healthcare, the destruction of our territory, and housing are the main concerns of the Canarians, which we will focus on to propose solutions to the citizens of the islands."

Ortega added, "Sumar represents the hope of articulating a plural and transformative political space that responds to the real demands of the citizens. The Canary Islands need a strong voice within this project, a voice that understands the particularities of our territory, fights against inequalities, and places social, economic, and environmental challenges at the center."

A Plurinational Force

The appointment of Hormiga and Ortega signals Sumar's commitment to becoming a plurinational force that seeks to make a better country. This vision aligns with the broader goals of Movimiento Sumar, which aims to create a more inclusive and transformative political space.

With the support of the Coordinadora Estatal de Movimiento Sumar, including figures like David Comas, the new leadership is poised to make a significant impact in the Canary Islands. As expats in Spain, it is important to be aware of these developments, which could influence local policies and community life in the region.