The general secretary of the PSOE of Lanzarote and spokesperson for the Canary socialists in Congress, María Dolores Corujo, has denounced in a press conference held at the headquarters of the socialists in Lanzarote, the "greatest betrayal of the Canary Islands" by the Popular Party, after voting against this Wednesday in Congress measures of high social impact such as the revaluation of pensions, the extension of free public transport and aid for the reconstruction of La Palma.
María Dolores Corujo accused the PP of "betraying without scruples the social majority of the Canary Islands and condemning 368,000 Canary pensioners to uncertainty and the reduction of their payrolls from February." "Their refusal to support these measures demonstrates their absolute contempt for the most vulnerable people," she said forcefully.
Likewise, Corujo stressed that, "thanks to the Government of Pedro Sánchez, pensions have increased by 26.6%, with an additional increase of 2.8% and 9% planned for non-contributory pensions that has been blocked."
The PSOE stressed that the PP's rejection affects 12 million pensioners throughout the country. "What happened is a direct betrayal of the citizens who trusted the PP, who have not only not defended their interests, but have actively voted against their rights," Corujo concluded.
Impact in the Canary Islands and the reconstruction of La Palma
Corujo has described as "unjustifiable" the PP's refusal to extend the 100% bonus on public transport, a vital measure for working families in the archipelago, and stressed that "the decree rejected by the PP included specific aid for the reconstruction of the Aridane Valley after the volcanic eruption in La Palma, leaving thousands of affected people unprotected."
In addition, she pointed out that the Popular Party's vote against will mean that "the Canary Islands will stop receiving 441 million euros in advance transfers, a key figure to guarantee essential public services in the islands." "With their vote, the PP has not only harmed the Canary Islands, but has denied the entire State 10,000 million euros in resources that strengthen the social shield promoted by Pedro Sánchez," Corujo said.
A blow to the social shield
Among the measures rejected by the PP is the prohibition of water and electricity cuts to the most vulnerable families. "It is absolutely inexplicable and unbearable for thousands of families that the PP votes against something as basic as guaranteeing access to essential services," Corujo declared, who pointed out that what happened reflects a clear message of anti-politics: "the PP's lack of solidarity politically disqualifies it from defending the interests of citizens."