Natalia Santana: “We want more rights, greater self-government and more democracy, not a government with Vox that puts them at risk”

Natalia Santana, Nueva Canarias deputy for Fuerteventura, has welcomed the agreement between Nueva Canarias, Podemos, Izquierda Unida and Sumar to stand together in the next general election.

Santana sees the agreement as a sign of responsibility and says political parties are not there simply to defend their own names, but to improve people’s lives.

“In politics, you need to take a broad view and know how to reach agreements. We don’t all have to think alike to work together. If joining forces can achieve something good for the Canary Islands and our people, we have a duty to try.”

The deputy believes the next election is particularly important because Vox could form part of a government led by the Partido Popular.

“We want more rights, greater self-government for the Canary Islands and more democracy. Vox wants powers returned to the state, while we want the Canary Islands to have more say over their future. These are two very different ways of understanding politics.”

“With Vox in government, rare earths would once again threaten Fuerteventura”

Santana recalled that Vox was the only party to vote against the proposal approved by the Parliament of the Canary Islands in April 2024 to halt rare-earth exploration in Fuerteventura.

“Let’s not forget. When Fuerteventura stood up to defend its land against rare earths, Vox was the only party to vote against it. That’s not our claim; it is recorded in the Parliament of the Canary Islands.”

Santana said that vote made Vox’s position clear on an issue that concerns a large part of Fuerteventura’s population.

“If Vox enters Spain’s government, we have reason to fear that projects linked to rare earths will be promoted again. That is why our political choices now matter so much. What happens in Madrid also affects Fuerteventura.”

“Defending the Canary Islands means much more than securing money from Madrid”

The deputy also addressed the differences between Nueva Canarias and Coalición Canaria.

“Coalición Canaria bases much of its work in Madrid on negotiating investment and budget allocations. We believe that defending the Canary Islands means much more than securing money. It also means defending our rights, our public services and our ability to make decisions here.”

Santana said funding was needed to improve living conditions for people in the Canary Islands, but should not be the only consideration when negotiating with a government.

“What would it be worth to secure more money if our rights were cut back or our self-government reduced at the same time? We want more resources for the Canary Islands, but we also want more rights, greater self-government and more democracy. We are not prepared to give that up.”

The deputy said Coalición Canaria would have to demonstrate through its decisions that it rejects a government with Vox.

“We are Canary Island nationalists, and we are also on the left”

Santana defended Nueva Canarias’s participation in an agreement with other progressive forces without losing its identity.

“There are different strands of the left in the Canary Islands, and one of them is Canary Island nationalism. That is ours. We want the Canary Islands to have more power to make decisions, but we also want a fairer society where people can have a home, decent work and good public services.”

Santana said reaching agreements with other parties did not mean giving up their own ideas.

“Nueva Canarias will remain Nueva Canarias. We will continue to defend our country and our principles. What we have understood is that, when so much is at stake, we must be able to join forces.”

“Fuerteventura also needs us to reach agreement”

The deputy believes this approach to politics should also apply in Fuerteventura and in the next Canary Islands elections.

“Our island has too many problems for parties to be constantly focused on their differences. We have problems with water, housing, healthcare and education. People need solutions, not quarrels between parties.”

Santana said Nueva Canarias should keep seeking agreements with other organisations to improve life for the people of Fuerteventura.

“If we can join forces to defend Fuerteventura better and offer an alternative government, we must do so. What matters is not who gets the most prominence, but what we can achieve together for our island.”

The deputy ended with a message about political responsibility.

“No party is more important than the people. Nueva Canarias must live up to the expectations of the Canary Islands and Fuerteventura. We want a land with more rights, greater self-government and more democracy. And we are ready to reach agreements to defend that future.”