The time is approaching to make the decision on the representation of the Canary Islands and Lanzarote in the Congress and the Senate. From Coalición Canaria Lanzarote we have made a serious and courageous commitment. We are presenting ourselves to be the voice where they do not understand the needs of a remote and fragmented territory that requires unique policies adapted to our islands. To be the voice of the people who fight day by day for their lives and those of their families against the difficulties. To be the voice of the good people, of the honest people, of those who want to live here and build a space where their children have a dignified life and equality.
I am clear, Lanzarote needs a nationalist presence in the Senate, a presence that only obeys the dictates of the people of Lanzarote. My party's proposal focuses on being there so that they do not forget how we live here. Therefore, I believe that the people who really feel Lanzarote above all else, regardless of their origin and political militancy, should unite in the defense of our island, fight to be taken into account and that our problems are matters of State. The commitment is clear and transparent: we want to represent all the people of Lanzarote in Madrid, without exception, prioritizing the most important thing, the
Therefore, when I arrive at the Upper House, my priority will be the implementation of active employment policies for this island. Likewise, dependent people will have me as an ambassador for their demands and, as I have done until now, I will fight so that once and for all people with disabilities are respected and their rights are guaranteed by law, not by solidarity and even less by charity, as is currently the case. They know it, I have not failed them when I have had government responsibilities in the Cabildo of Lanzarote and I will not do so when I arrive in Madrid.
The State has the obligation to be sensitive to this Archipelago. We are islands in the middle of the Atlantic and in Madrid they ignore some issues that for us mean life. Therefore, we will defend a fair and supportive Coastal Demarcation, where the Canaries participate with more responsibilities in its conservation and management.
We must also make them understand that moving between islands is a matter of necessity, not privilege, as it often seems to governments led by state parties. A plane or boat ticket between the islands costs eight times more than in the peninsular territory and this, as simple as it is, is not understood there. Compensation for distance is a right of the Canaries so that we can find ourselves on equal opportunities with the rest.
Lanzarote, this island that unites us, contributes a lot of knowledge and experience in everything related to sustainability and respect for the environment. We currently have two UNESCO awards that give us a recognized prestige, only available to a few territories in the world, the Biosphere Reserve and the Geopark. The Government of the State must take advantage of this path and bet decisively on an island that is one hundred percent renewable. For us there is only this path, that of sustainability.
We are facing a Lanzarote that matures, that begins to look without complexes around it, deciding for example to get involved in the management of one of the strategic points in the diversification of our economy: the port, a source of employment and progress opportunities for the people of this island. I deeply regret seeing how a large cruise ship has to turn around because we do not have a berth in conditions. Similarly, just as or more strategic and vital for the island is to improve our airport; however, to this day we continue without being on the agenda of investments planned by Aena. Here we are only to give benefits to a private company and from Madrid they do not understand how essential investment in these infrastructures is for us.
This land hurts me. It hurts me that the State does not treat us as we justly deserve. In life you have to make decisions and always face up to them. On this occasion, I take a step forward and present myself to the Senate with the firm intention of representing this island that I love and respect so much. I do so assuming the challenge of fighting so that those of us who live here have the same rights as the rest of the citizens of Spain.
I do not shrink from problems, I am in politics by vocation and I do not like insults or using a position only to exercise power. I believe in dedication and effort as values to be used in daily life and I will firmly defend that Lanzarote and its citizens deserve better treatment. I am going to leave my skin to achieve it.
By Marci Acuña, candidate for the Senate of CC