Channels for dialogue

I am a convinced European, a defender of the Union project for its commitment to solidarity, generosity and common progress of the member countries. Because only in this way do the territories of the old Continent join forces against other world powers, because we advance together in economic, environmental and social legislation, laws that affect all European citizens, the development of the community and the protection of life on the Planet.

That is why I am concerned about the United Kingdom's departure from Europe, perhaps a response to the crisis rather than a long-term analyzed decision. The so-called "Brexit", which has won the game by a narrow four percent, has more of that national exaltation that invades us in these times of uncertainty and mass football than of real conviction of the opportunity and interest of walking alone in this global society that we have built.

It has not been the refugee crisis or the hardships imposed on third countries; it has not been the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Treaty (TIIP)... It has not been ethical or critical reasons that have generated these results, but the conviction of a certain superiority over the rest of the partners and the refusal to "load" with communities with debts, deficits and enormous needs.

Because that current of rejection of the European Union is sustained by ultraconservative and ultranationalist parties and ideologies, which reject immigrants and foreigners, which feed on their traditions, their purity of blood and their customs and which dream of an Ithaca of borders inwards.

I dream of increasing aid to the most disadvantaged territories and cooperation for development; I remember the common pacts and strategies that protect us against terrorism; I appreciate the free movement of workers, which multiplies our job opportunities; I defend European implementation scholarships such as Erasmus, which allow training and language learning and grant an experience of autonomy in young people... and I benefit, we benefit, from the recognition of the Canary Islands as an outermost region, which has facilitated investments and aid of enormous benefit and impact on the islands.

That is why I believe that Brexit, the United Kingdom's departure from the European Community, is bad news. As would be the departure of Catalonia from the Spanish State. I am sure that, in both cases, there are channels for dialogue, there is capacity to understand the differences that also unite us and there is a will to build a future of solidarity and understanding. You just have to get started. 


Ariagona González, candidate for the Senate for the PSOE of Lanzarote