Next Wednesday, all parties involved in the airport conflict, including for the first time Spanish Airports and Air Navigation (Aena), will meet again in a new attempt to end the increasingly complicated situation at the aerodrome.
But the efforts of the different groups to offer a solution through dialogue seem to vanish after each meeting. For this reason, the possibility of issuing a mandatory arbitration award is no longer ruled out. An extreme measure that all parties would have to abide by. The question is who has the power to make this decision. The possibilities are divided between the Government of the Canary Islands or the State. But the Autonomous Executive is clear about it.
Competencies
"Whoever has the key to whether the strike affects the general interest to issue an arbitration award is the Ministry of Development," explained Adán Martín, president of the Canary Islands Government after attending the religious service and procession that ended the San Bartolomé festivities.
To this end, Adán Martín argued that one of the reasons for issuing a mandatory arbitration award is that the problem affects the general interest. In this sense, for the highest authority of the Canary Islands Government, the Ministry of Development is the only body that can assess the scope of the strike in Guacimeta to make that decision.
However, there are many aspects that will have to be taken into account if this drastic solution is finally adopted. One of the most complex perspectives is the legal one. This is because, in addition to issuing the decree, certain aspects would have to be taken into account, such as establishing minimum services. Similarly, there is the inconvenience that the legislation dates from 1977, a date when the autonomous communities did not yet exist, which generates a series of legal loopholes on this issue.
Without reaching a solution
While time passes, and despite the fact that the workers will go to their jobs during this week, the problem remains without a solution. For this reason, Adán Martín said: "I continue to urge the parties to reach an agreement because in the end the citizens and tourism are going to pay for it, which is a fundamental element for the social and economic development of Lanzarote." In this way, the president of the Autonomous Executive pointed out that the Ministry of Development is the one that has to give an answer to end the conflict.
Good results
As the summer draws to a close, it is time to analyze the results of the arrival of tourists to the Island. On this aspect, Adán Martín described these months as good although "it is a pity the impact of the strike that always has some negative effect." For the highest authority of the Canary Islands Government, the success is due to the promotional campaign carried out both in the Peninsula and in the rest of Europe.
At the same time, factors such as the professionalization of the activity or the use of both the synergy of the Archipelago and the particular characteristics of each of the islands have intervened. The achievement of these positive tourism results contributes to having a good expectation of job creation and economic growth.
Take care of the environment
But the basis on which these data are based is to have a good destination "so it is necessary to take great care of everything that is public spaces or the environment," said Adán Martín. For this reason the joint action of the Cabildo and town councils is essential in order to support this synergy.
"The Government is in the line of working and everything is organized in plans between the Cabildo and town councils, so I cannot be on any other path than in the line of supporting any revitalization plan through the plans that the Government itself has planned to join efforts," explained the president of the Canary Islands Government.
External support
This summer, the tourist promotion of Lanzarote has been intensified with the stay of the President of the Government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and his family during the holidays. A few days before finishing his rest on the Island, Adán Martín assured that the arrival of Rodríguez Zapatero is positive for two reasons.
Firstly, because this visit has allowed the President of the State to learn more about the problems of the islands, the situations that are created due to insularity or remoteness "especially for citizens who suffer more than those of us who have public responsibilities who have more ease to move," explained the president of the Canary Islands Government.
Secondly, because "it is always good that the image of the president can be associated with an Atlantic archipelago far from the Peninsula," concluded Adán Martín.
Healthcare system
Despite being on vacation, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has taken advantage of some days to travel to other islands accompanied by Adán Martín. In one of these meetings, both had the opportunity to talk about the healthcare system and the possibility of raising taxes on tobacco or alcohol to allocate them to this area.
However, the president of the Canary Islands Executive did not want to make any assessment of this project. In this sense, he explained that on September 10, the presidents of the communities will have a meeting with Rodríguez Zapatero in which he will explain this initiative "in which there will be a proposal on the table for those autonomous communities that have increased the population and the money they receive in population quotas has become outdated".
Meanwhile, and according to Adán Martín, the objective is to be attentive so that the Canary Islands has the best possible position.
