Edition 503

Page 1

Also distributed in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. 1.50 euros at newsagents.

THE INDEPENDENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER WITH LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FRIDAY 20th JUNE TO THURSDAY 10th JULY 2014

SUMMER 3 WEEK EDITION

EDITION 503

ADVENTURE & FUN ON TENERIFE

WIN 2GF 28 HOLES

PAGE 18

PAGES 23/24 - 33/34

CANARIES GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH SPAIN

Photo: Dayana Domínguez

Photo: AENA

Double fight over oil and airports

T

HE Canary Islands are once again going headto-head with the Spanish Government over another major decision which leaders here consider disrespectful and wrong. As the war over future oil drilling in the waters off Fuerteventura

and Lanzarote continues to rage, new battle lines have been drawn over the partial privatisation of the archipelago’s airports. Spain intends to sell off 49

per cent of their shares but the Canaries fear this will be very bad news for the islands and will hinder the progress made over flight connections and essential services. Canary president, Paulino Rivero says the archipelago will “pay dear” as privatisation is unlikely to strengthen what he considers an essential service. “It’s a mistake,” he says. “The successful operation of airports is a basic pillar for the Canaries and our economy.” Other objectors say it signals a lack of respect for the

Canary Islands and that any new operator will only be interested in making profits, not maintaining essential services or safeguarding jobs. Spain says this will not be the case as the entry of private capital will bring “great competiveness, dynamism and efficiency in the Spanish airport system.” Of the 49 per cent of the share capital, 28 per cent will be placed on the Stock Exchange and the rest will go out to competition. The process will be in full swing by November. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife will all be attractive to investors because they make money but the fear

is the smaller unprofitable airports will be neglected, making inter-island travel even more difficult. Meantime, the “oil war” between the Canary Islands and Spain shows no signs of abating. After calling for people to protest about Repsol’s plans to sink test wells, Sr. Rivero has been accused of “calling for a rebellion in the streets” and the Spanish Prime Minister believes this could escalate into violence. There were further protests in Santa Cruz on June 15th when about 30 protestors carried placards along La Rambla and the police had to be called in. Organisers said there had been no unrest and it was always intended as a peaceful demonstration. Repsol’s environmental report has been given the goahead by Spain but any day now, the Supreme Court is due to announce its decision over seven appeals lodged by various organsiations, including the Canary Government. That decision has already been delayed twice. Politicians who support oil drilling say Sr. Rivero should concentrate on addressing the real issues of the Canar y Islands but the president is considering asking the new King of Spain to intervene. He says this issue is vitally important to the whole future of the archipelago and one oil spill could destroy its tourism and eco-system. The Canary Government has once again reiterated its intention to “keep on fighting” with all means possible, including through the courts, no matter how long it takes and has repeated its call for a referendum to let the Canary people decide.


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