Regional PP deputy María Saavedra has demanded this Friday that the Canary Government provide a detailed plan to preserve democratic memory spaces, following the recognition of Tefía as a LGTBIQ+ memory site.
The regional deputy of the Popular Party, María Saavedra, has insisted this Friday that the Canary Government specify the actions planned for enhancing the democratic memory spaces of the archipelago. This request comes after the recent declaration of the former Tefía hostel in Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) as the first LGTBIQ+ memory site in the Canary Islands.
A recognition that demands action
During her speech at the parliamentary Commission on Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture, Saavedra argued that "preserving democratic memory does not mean being anchored in the past, but knowing our history to strengthen the values of freedom, equality, respect, and coexistence that today underpin our democracy."
The popular deputy emphasised that institutional support for these sites must translate into concrete actions, rather than mere declarations. "Memory spaces are much more than physical places: they are spaces that help us understand what happened, recognise the dignity of those whose rights were violated, and convey to new generations the importance of always defending freedom, respect for diversity, and human rights," she stated.
Tefía, a symbol of transformation
Saavedra highlighted that Fuerteventura hosts the first space for historical memory in the Canary Islands, defending the declaration of Tefía as "a space deeply linked to the history of our island and of the Canary Islands, reminding us of a period that should never have occurred and that we must understand with historical rigor, institutional respect, and the commitment that it never happens again."
The deputy recalled that the former hostel today represents a story of "transformation and hope," having become a space for coexistence where young and old share experiences through camps, meetings, cultural, educational, and leisure activities. "Preserving this space is not just an exercise in memory; it is a firm commitment to human rights, to the dignity of individuals, and to democratic values," she asserted.
An act of justice towards the LGTBI+ community
Saavedra insisted that preserving the memory of Tefía is "also an act of justice towards the LGTBI+ community, which suffered discrimination, repression, and silence for decades." "Remembering that reality is to acknowledge the suffering of those who were victims and to reaffirm that in a democratic society there can be no space for hatred, intolerance, or persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity," she pointed out.
The popular parliamentarian asserted the role of the Tefía Democratic Memory Site as a centre that "demonstrates that spaces can also convey a message of the future. Where there was once exclusion, today there is coexistence; where there was silence, today there is participation, and where there was suffering, today there exists a place that contributes to strengthening the social fabric of Fuerteventura."
What does it mean for citizens?
For the residents of Puerto del Rosario and the rest of the Canary Islands, enhancing Tefía represents an accessible educational and historical memory resource, which can be visited and used for awareness activities. Saavedra concluded by reaffirming that "preserving and enhancing these spaces not only helps to preserve our history but also to educate in democratic values, especially to our youth, fostering a more free, respectful, and committed society to human rights."
The deputy hopes that the Canary Government will soon respond with a concrete action plan, including investments and timelines for the conservation and dissemination of these spaces.
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