The day of April 20 was historic for the Canary Islands for several reasons: it was more than a cry against the current economic and tourism model, it was a cry of social empowerment, a cry of reaffirmation, of pride and identity. It was the exclamation of collective weariness in the face of the passivity of the political class that has directed the course of this land in the last forty years.
This idea was soon perceived by some, since it is not a recent claim. It had happened before. These hastened to brandish tourism-phobia, instill fear of zero tourism or try to demobilize with the recurrent "politicization" to delegitimize the protest against an unbalanced model, promoted and sustained by themselves.
On September 27, 2002, Lanzarote demonstrated demanding a tourism moratorium and denouncing the consequences of a speculative and short-term model. It was, without a doubt, one of the most massive demonstrations called until then. About ten thousand people took to the streets on an island of ninety-seven thousand inhabitants at that time.
That level of mobilization was achieved thanks to the work of about fifteen groups of different kinds and numerous citizens within an enriching space. From Foro Lanzarote, among other things, the cessation of runaway tourism or control over the dizzying increase that the population was experiencing was demanded, in a context of socio-health deficiencies.
Except for recent phenomena, such as vacation rentals, that situation was similar to the current one. Today's circumstances were determined more than twenty years ago. Citizens continue to suffer from a predatory, extractive and socially irresponsible tourism model. In addition, and as if that were not enough, it suffers from a leading political class with sufficient credit and courage to offer truly transformative alternatives.
It is admissible to affirm that nothing substantially transformative has been promoted in Lanzarote in the last quarter of a century. It is worth remembering that in 1999 the Island Council approved, unanimously, the revision of the Island Territorial Planning Plan (PIOT). This plan would enter into force in May 2000, would involve a downward reprogramming of the tourist offer and the precautionary suspension of the granting of licenses. This measure would be annulled in the courts later.
Passivity has discredited them. All the political parties that have been in governments in the last forty years are responsible; necessary actors at the service of the oligarchy some, well-commanded and submissive conformists others. There is no need to list them, you know who they are, they have a first and last name. They have not undertaken any decisive measure to tackle this problem, they have not even agreed to revise the outdated PIOT of '91.
Therefore, and taking into account the historical precedents, a question is obligatory: Are the current parties, the same ones that have alternated in political power during the last four decades, in a position or are they valid agents to offer solutions?
The logical answer is obvious. Taking into account, in addition, the statements made after the demonstration by some prominent members of the governing parties in the Canary Islands, loaded with intransigence and stubbornness.
However, I believe that it is necessary to generate that enriching space where we can all meet and invoke the spirit that drove Foro Lanzarote. To rebuild a socio-political space where social agents are widely represented. Perhaps it is necessary to build it beyond the institutional scenarios.
It is essential to carry out an in-depth diagnosis of the current situation. These are complex problems that must be addressed by all. Citizens must assume the protagonism and responsibility that corresponds to them. The political parties, which have recognized and accepted the demands of 20A, must do the same and be able to start the path of transformation from social commitment and a sense of the common good.
The present and the future of those of us who inhabit this land is at stake. It is vital that awareness is raised and that once and for all we act as a people rowing towards the same horizon.
