Chamber of Commerce welcomes move to make maritime link with Cádiz a guaranteed public service

Juan Jesús Rodríguez Marichal, president of the Fuerteventura Chamber of Commerce, has warmly welcomed the announcement by Spain’s Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, that the Spanish Government will designate the direct maritime link between Cádiz and Fuerteventura as a Public Service Obligation (PSO).

The president of the Chamber said: “The PSO designation marks a historic change, recognising the direct maritime link with mainland Spain as an essential service that the State must guarantee, bringing greater security, stability and certainty for Fuerteventura’s future.”

He also stressed that “this progress is the result of joint work by Fuerteventura Island Council, the island’s six local councils and the Chamber of Commerce, which put forward a unanimous institutional position calling for this measure”. He also thanked Island Council President Lola García for her leadership; the six local councils for their commitment to defending a shared goal; and Minister Ángel Víctor Torres and the Spanish Government for their understanding and responsiveness in addressing a fair demand for the island.

Rodríguez Marichal said: “This agreement shows that when public administrations work together, with one voice and putting the island’s general interest first, results can be achieved,” and concluded:

“Today is a day to celebrate for Fuerteventura. We have not secured a one-off improvement to a contract; we have secured permanent recognition of a right. The direct maritime link with mainland Spain is no longer a possibility but an obligation that must be maintained over time. That is the true significance of this decision and a decisive step towards ensuring our island is not left behind again.”