The councilor of the Mixed Group in the Cabildo of Lanzarote has denounced the situation of discrimination suffered by the elderly of non-capital islands such as Lanzarote and La Graciosa in accessing IMSERSO trips, following the elimination of the aid that financed inter-island travel.
"Before, they were paid for the ticket to get to Tenerife or Gran Canaria and thus be able to travel like any other retiree in Spain. Today, that aid has disappeared, and with it, the principle of social justice that should govern any public policy," he said.
Since 2017, when the Institute for the Elderly and Social Services eliminated the subsidy of about 74 euros per journey, many elderly people have been forced to assume additional costs that can exceed 150 euros. This economic barrier, according to the councilor, leaves out of the program those who need it most: retirees with minimum or non-contributory pensions.
"What is happening is discrimination in every rule. A solution was promised from the Government of the Canary Islands, but the announced budget item never arrived. Nor has the State acted," he denounced.
The councilor recalled that in the Balearic Islands there is an aid of up to 200 euros for inter-island travel associated with IMSERSO, which further aggravates the comparative grievance towards the Canary Islands.
Faced with this situation, the representative of the Mixed Group has requested the plenary of the Cabildo to approve a unanimous institutional declaration demanding that the Government of Spain and the Autonomous Executive immediately activate a financing line that covers travel from non-capital islands and guarantees access under equal conditions.
"I ask all groups to put aside the acronyms and defend our elders together. This is a matter of justice and dignity. Until this grievance is corrected, I will continue to raise my voice," he concluded.
