Fuerteventura groups warn of Vox’s rise and the power of capital, calling for social action: “Rights are not guaranteed for ever”

The call for real democracy and recognition of the loss of social rights ran through the gathering. In Fuerteventura, low public turnout meant it remained a rally rather than becoming a wider mobilisation, although it brought together many representatives of groups working day to day to defend rights and public services.

Fuerteventura coordinator Rafa Marrero introduced the groups, beginning with a representative of one of the trade union organisations with the broadest representation across numerous fields. Comisiones Obreras focused on housing, healthcare, equality and education. Lizeth Rivera argued that “there cannot be a fully genuine democracy if people work and still cannot access a dignified life”, and called for collective organisation as a means of defending rights.

Healthcare was another key focus of the day. Óscar Hernández, from Salud y Sonrisas, said the problems in Fuerteventura could be summed up in three words: “waiting, paying and travelling”. The group denounced waiting lists, the need to seek private consultations when public care is not available in time, and journeys to other islands for certain tests or treatments. “We don’t want to have to buy a ticket just to get healthcare; we want specialists here, tests here, treatments here,” its representative said, calling for more professionals, specialists and resources for Fuerteventura.

On this issue, Rafa Marrero called for public healthcare and denounced the privatisation already taking place through contracted services. He cited the price of beds at Hospital Negrín, rated at level 7, while contracted provision is arranged with other hospitals, such as San Roque, which is category 4 (much lower) but, he stressed, charges more per bed.

Education denounces “institutional neglect”

Speaking for the education community, teacher Yasmina Sánchez described “institutional neglect” and called for better working conditions for teachers amid growing bureaucracy, heavier workloads and emotional demands, and a lack of recognised time to provide adequate support for pupils.

The gathering also called for compliance with the Canary Islands Education Act, which sets investment in education at 5% of GDP, as well as more resources to support pupils with additional educational needs and address diversity in the classroom.

“Quality public education is a fundamental right in a democratic state,” the education representative said, also denouncing the outsourcing of services and what she believes is the deterioration of public education.

Housing: “No more homes without people, no more people without homes”

Pau Valverde, from the Fuerteventura Tenants’ Union, warned that young people were finding it difficult to move out of their family homes because of rents and wages. The situation of women and migrants was also singled out.

The group called for public intervention on rents, measures to tackle property hoarding, the return of empty homes to use to expand the public housing stock, and changes to tourist and temporary accommodation.

“Housing is a right, not a luxury,” Valverde said, closing with the slogan: “No more homes without people, no more people without homes.”

The union also highlighted “capitalist speculation”, which it said was stripping people of basic rights.

Feminist Network warns of rights being rolled back and calls for coups

The Fuerteventura Feminist Network delivered one of the morning’s most forceful contributions. Lilian Concepción and Catherine argued that rights to housing, decent work, healthcare, education and care, as well as the ability to make decisions about one’s own life and body, were still not guaranteed equally for everyone.

“There are basic rights that should never have become a privilege,” they said in a manifesto read by two people, before noting that inequalities affect people differently depending on their origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability-related barriers or social class.

The Feminist Network also focused on a call made earlier that same week by a retired lieutenant colonel for the Armed Forces to form a provisional emergency government.

“What we have heard in recent days is not a proposal for constitutional reform within democratic rules,” they said. “It is a call for the Armed Forces to assume power. It is a call to stage a coup.”

“Sometimes we think that once rights have been won, they will last for ever. History has taught us that this is not how it works,” they warned.

They recalled those who organised and fought for these rights and were “persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and murdered”.

They also urged people not to normalise rhetoric that targets migrants, fuels racism and xenophobia, or questions the rights of women and LGBTQI+ people. “Fascism has become increasingly brazen and is gaining ground,” they concluded.

Vox, the far right and the fear that “they are already here”

Concern about the rise of Vox and far-right positions also featured in the final part of the rally.

Jimmy Hernández, from Arena y Laurisilva, said he was deeply saddened by the low turnout on Saturday and voiced fears of a possible rollback of rights and freedoms. He urged people to take part, organise and stand up to fascism, ending his contribution with a warning: “They are already here.”