Canary Islands Vice President Manuel Domínguez has described the recent arrival of migrants via the Atlantic route as an “invasion,” saying the islands are calling “mayday.” He renewed his calls for the deployment of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, and the armed forces, as well as measures in countries of origin and transit.
Domínguez, who leads the People’s Party in the Canary Islands, made the remarks in a post on X. He accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government of “complete neglect and lack of commitment” and said the islands were once again facing the situation alone and with their own resources.
Citing his own estimates, Domínguez said around 5,300 migrants arrived in October and more than 1,600 had arrived so far this month. He said he had not heard any minister or the prime minister discuss migration in the Canary Islands, and accused politicians of using the issue as an electoral weapon.
Domínguez said Frontex, the armed forces, the Civil Guard and the National Police could help “reduce the number of migrants who can reach our shores.” He also accused the central government of failing to adopt effective migration policies and to combat people-smuggling networks.
The article notes that the Canary Islands branch of the PP has repeatedly opposed reforming Spain’s Foreigners Law to require the transfer of unaccompanied migrant children between regions. The proposed measure was intended to ease pressure on the islands’ reception centres.
Sources: elDiario.es.