We have government experience and plenty of it. I want to emphasize this because we have been responsible in helping to turn Arrecife into the best city in the Canary Islands. Living examples have been the negotiations we have followed with the State Government, by the way of the Popular Party, to achieve the necessary investment for the expansion of the Port of Los Mármoles and the Dredging of the Charco de los Clicos.
Achieving the expansion of Los Mármoles is a great political satisfaction for the PP of Lanzarote. An in-depth negotiation where we have managed to make the state government aware of the importance of this work for our Island and for our city.
Having the extension of the berthing line will not only create jobs and economic profitability during its construction, but also consolidate employment and income for the city afterwards. With an investment of 25.5 million euros, the construction of a 430-meter-long section is planned, which will run next to the current berthing line, will have a draft of 20 meters allowing the access of more ships, especially tourist cruise ships.
This investment that the current State Government has allocated to the Port of Los Mármoles has been the largest investment that Lanzarote has received in the last 15 years, despite being in a crisis situation, which dismantles the constant criticisms of other parties that are dedicated to offering disastrous speeches without accepting the palpable truths. It is easier to say that Madrid is to blame, call us unpatriotic and not recognize that we are growing.
Therefore, I tell you that the PP of Lanzarote has plenty of experience when it comes to working to achieve one of the largest investments for the island and obtaining the commitment of the Minister of Development, Ana Pastor, so if my party supports me for the mayoralty of Arrecife I am going to fight for the city with as much determination as I did to get the financing for the work I am talking about.
I cannot overlook another action such as the Dredging of the Charco de los Clicos by the General Directorate of Coasts, whose actions have already begun focusing on the reinforcement, the breakwater and the preparation of the entrance, so that the main dredging work can finally be undertaken.
The file for this work was initiated by the Government of José María Aznar and the PSOE paralyzed it until the PP has returned to take the reins of the Government of Spain. From the beginning of the legislature, all the members of the party have been involved, aware that the Island could not afford to delay the recovery of one of the most emblematic spaces of Lanzarote.
Constancy is the key to attracting investments for our Island and for our City. We cannot ignore all the possibilities for growth, whether with our own funds or with community funds.
Unfortunately, Arrecife is today a gray, sad, dark, dim city, resigned to its fate after three years of government with nationalists and socialists, which gives me deep sorrow. But faced with this situation, the PP has not been intimidated and has fought for the city in all possible forums. We have continued with the work of strengthening the foundations to resume a path of serious and effective work, and turn Arrecife into a dignified and progressive city.
*Astrid Pérez, president of the PP of Lanzarote
