The candidate of Unidas Sí Podemos to preside over the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Nicolás Saavedra, and the candidate for mayor of Arrecife, Nona Perera, have presented their candidacies and presented their political proposals. Among them, they have assessed the importance of implementing an eco-tax on the island.
This tax on hotel and non-hotel overnight stays for non-residents of between one and three euros per night could raise "more than 40 million euros per year in Lanzarote alone" to be used for the care and protection of natural spaces, introduce natural water purification systems or increase the staff of environmental agents on the island.
For Nona Perera, it is also essential that this collection has an impact on the quality of life of residents. "If we manage to make people see a palpable improvement in their daily lives, in the social services of Arrecife and in the attention they receive from the local administration, we will have reversed the balance."
The measure, which is already applied in other territories such as the Balearic Islands, Catalonia or several European capitals, will be one of the demands of Unidas Sí Podemos in order to form governments after May 28.
In Saavedra's words, "people know that if they want a Cabildo that doesn't tremble when ASOLAN shows its teeth, they have a brave and reliable option in Unidas Sí Podemos."
"Now it is Possible", slogan of this campaign
The Unidas Sí Podemos confluence also wanted to present what will be its slogan in the local and island elections of this May 28.
"Lanzarote has been theorized and imagined by brilliant minds as one of the best places in the world to live with dignity, but it seems that the institutions do not dare to do everything possible to make it possible," explains the formation.
"Making Lanzarote a paradise to live in and not just to come on vacation involves making brave decisions that shake the privileges of a few, and now it is possible to achieve it because there is a team without fear and committed to it," they conclude.
Tourist degrowth and social growth
"You cannot grow infinitely in a finite territory like an island, even if they want us to believe otherwise," Perera said in her speech to show her concern about the "irresponsibility shown by those who celebrate each new tourist record."
One of the biggest bets of Unidas Sí Podemos in all the institutions of Lanzarote will be precisely to "put on the brakes and think collectively about what island model we want for the future because empty declarations to which they have accustomed us are no longer valid."
Saavedra wanted to add that, if people want Unidas Sí Podemos to lead that reflection, "the path will be to seek more employment opportunities in the care economy, the cultural industry and climate and environmental research."