The maxim of any political leader, regardless of their position in an administration, is to ensure that the demands of their constituents are met. That is the first thing.
The Mayoress of Arrecife knows that she has my support to collaborate, promote, and propose measures and solutions that guarantee the well-being of the people of Arrecife. The Mayoress knows that she has always had, has, and will have my hand extended to help the most needy city in the Canary Islands, Arrecife.
But the Mayoress knows and must know that I cannot accept that in moments like these, important projects that generate employment, activity, and endless opportunities for those who do not have them are renounced, for mere ideological issues and partisan interests. I say this in relation to the opinion article where you ask for a vote against the General State Budgets for 2017 because, according to you, there are no items aimed at Equality and the fight against Gender Violence.
Mayoress, with all due respect, I tell you that you are wrong or have not been able to interpret the items in the General State Budget because not only are the items you allude to contemplated, but also an increase of 9.9% is included with respect to the previous budget, allocating 45 million euros to reinforce the protection of victims. Therefore, those are the visible data for all citizens and also for you, Mayoress.
But far from discussing this issue of vital social importance, I would also like you to reflect on your position against the state accounts since both the Popular Party of the Canary Islands, Ciudadanos, Coalición Canaria and Mr. Quevedo of NC have stated that they are "good budgets" because aid to air transport is guaranteed again without restrictions and of goods; the REF very linked to the budget contemplates 220 million euros of compensation for the Canary Islands in 2017, more than 300 million in 2018 and 550 million euros in 2019; we are recognized as an ultraperipheral region, and the figure of double insularity is also included with concrete measures that will help us alleviate these effects.
Your municipality, of which you are Mayoress, will benefit from the 23 million euros included in the General State Budget for the expansion of the cruise ship dock and the southern closure of our port. A port that, as you know, has suffered severe mistreatment from your fellow party member, Mr. Luis Ibarra. With the new accounts, we would have an economic item obtained thanks to the President of the Port of the State and the Minister of Development who were sensitive to the situation raised by the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote, the president of the Popular Party of Lanzarote and the undersigned.
To this investment, add also 3 million euros to finish the execution of the expansion of Los Mármoles, the more than 7.5 million that our airport will receive or the 70,000 euros that the State Government allocates to the Cactus Garden to collaborate with its maintenance.
Dear Mayoress, as you can see, we have millions of reasons to defend these budgets from the municipal sphere. Let's not allow Arrecife to take the slap!.
I ask you to reflect and publicly request your party colleagues with representation in Madrid to support these budgets because they are good and because they are the result of the work of many people, groups, unions, employers and political parties, not only the Popular Party. Don't be alone asking for a vote against, Mayoress.
Collaborate and help your city and mine to start growing and getting excited again. Join for Arrecife and for Lanzarote, which you also represent.
Joel Delgado, Senator for Lanzarote and La Graciosa
