The first 100 days of a new government are often considered a crucial testing period. In these first steps, an administration is expected to set its course and begin to fulfill its electoral promises. However, when a government shows signs of improvisation during this critical period, legitimate concerns arise about its ability to lead effectively.
Therefore, improvisation in island management is a problem that can have devastating effects on the effectiveness and stability of our island. Instead of having a well-defined plan and a clear vision, an improvising government tends to make hasty decisions and react to events instead of anticipating them, such as in the matter of the president's or councilors' remuneration, which was a real farce, without assessing whether they charge too much or too little. Time will tell. This can lead to inconsistent policies, confusion in government communication, and a lack of strategic direction.
One of the most obvious risks of an improvising government in its first 100 days is the inability to address crucial issues effectively. The lack of planning can lead to delays in the implementation of key policies, which, in turn, can have a negative impact on strategic issues, such as water. The dismissal of the manager of the Lanzarote Water Consortium, Domingo Pérez, is a completely misguided policy, in my opinion. Domingo Pérez is a professional who has demonstrated rigor, efficiency, transparency, and good work during his 10 years of management. Now we simply dispatch ourselves with announcements and press conferences without detailing absolutely anything. And of course, without explaining the reason for his dismissal.
Public and institutional trust in the government can also erode rapidly when the administration is perceived to be constantly improvising and paying more attention to advertising than to informing, as happens to the municipalities that are in the Lanzarote Water Consortium. Despite our condition, we learn about all the changes through the press, even though we have 40% of the social participation in this entity. Citizens seek leaders who are capable of making informed decisions and managing crises effectively.
Constant improvisation can undermine confidence in the government's ability, as I understand it, given the incomprehensible decision to leave the representation of the entire island of Lanzarote on the Board of the Port Authority in the hands of a single sector, something unheard of and certainly dangerous if one knows well what is being decided in that Council.
The lack of solid planning can also lead to financial problems, and if things continue like this, we will see it in the coming months. Government budgets may deviate from what is truly important, creating economic and fiscal uncertainty. Foreign investment and investor confidence may be affected by the perception that the government does not have a clear roadmap, and in Lanzarote, there are many foreign and national funds operating, generating wealth and employment.
So, how should society respond to the first 100 days of a Cabildo government that has only improvised? Transparency and accountability are key. Citizens demand clear communication about the government's actions and policies and pressure us to establish solid planning. In addition, it is important that the opposition and the media play an active role in overseeing and scrutinizing the government; my colleague Daisy Villalba and I will certainly be there.
In summary, the first 100 days of Oswaldo Betancort's government have turned out to be a "bluff" that has worked on the basis of appearances and whims. However, I continue to offer my hand, and I am still willing to help him plan the next 4 years of his term.
President, we are on time.