Canary Islands Leader Strikes Deal on Regional Financing, Irking National PP

Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo has once again leveraged his political influence in Spain, securing a deal with the socialist government on a new regional financing model. His party, Coalición Canaria, governs the islands in coalition with the PP, but Clavijo has shown a willingness to align with the socialists when it serves the Canary Islands' interests.

This agreement, reached after a meeting with the ministers of Finance and Territorial Policy, guarantees an additional 1,337 million euros for the Canary Islands. Crucially, this funding is achievable without altering the model previously agreed upon with Catalonia. Clavijo emphasized that his position reflects his government's stance, which includes the PP.

The news initially caught the national PP leadership off guard. They initially distanced themselves from the agreement, reiterating their opposition to the plan. However, after a period of apparent confusion, economy ministers from PP-governed communities sent a letter to the Finance Minister requesting a postponement of the upcoming Fiscal and Financial Policy Council meeting, where the model is slated for approval.

While the government has enough support to pass the new system with Catalonia and the Canary Islands on board, the editorial suggests that President Pedro Sánchez should consider the PP's request for dialogue. Postponing the council meeting until September, even if it doesn't change the outcome, could foster consensus.