The Popular Party sends a letter to the president of the Cabildo, Lola García, to create an insular alliance and demand that the Spanish Government declare the maritime connection as a Public Service Obligation following its disappearance.
The Popular Party of Fuerteventura has taken a step forward to try to reverse the loss of the direct maritime connection between Puerto del Rosario and Cádiz. The party, led by Jessica de León, has sent a letter to the president of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, Lola García, proposing the creation of a united front that brings together all administrations, political forces, and social agents on the island. The goal: to demand that the Spanish Government declare this route as a Public Service Obligation (OSP) and tender it for reasons of general interest.
The initiative comes after the disappearance of the direct stop in Puerto del Rosario was confirmed, a decision that, according to the PP, represents "a serious setback for connectivity, the economy, and equal opportunities in Fuerteventura." The loss of this line, which connected the island to the mainland without the need for transfers, has raised alarms among political representatives and the business community in Fuerteventura.
A united front for insular defence
In the letter, Jessica de León emphasises that "we are facing an issue that transcends any political differences" and that "the defence of communications in Fuerteventura must unite us all." The president of the insular PP stresses that "we cannot resign ourselves to losing a strategic connection for our island" and asks Lola García to lead this united front from the Cabildo.
The PP reminds that it was the first political organisation to publicly alert about the disappearance of this maritime line, warning of the consequences it would have for the island if the State did not act to ensure its continuity through an OSP. Since then, the Popular Party has taken this demand to all institutions: they raised a motion at the Cabildo, which was approved by unanimity; regional deputy Fernando Enseñat demanded in the Parliament of the Canary Islands that the regional government lead the negotiations with the State; and in the Congress of Deputies, the Popular Group registered questions directed to the Minister of Transport to find out about the planned actions.
Economic impact and double insularity
The disappearance of the direct connection with Cádiz not only affects passenger transport. According to the PP, it poses a direct threat to the economic competitiveness of Fuerteventura. The island, with over 126,000 inhabitants and receiving more than 2.5 million visitors annually, relies heavily on maritime transport for the supply of goods, construction materials, vehicles, agri-food products, and consumer goods.
The loss of the stop in Puerto del Rosario will require transfers through other islands, exacerbating the double insularity that has historically conditioned the development of Fuerteventura. This translates into longer transit times, increased logistical costs, and ultimately, price hikes for families and businesses. "The price of the shopping basket or inputs for farmers and ranchers will rise," warns the PP.
Criticism of the PSOE and Sánchez's Government
The PP of Fuerteventura has also targeted the PSOE and, in particular, the senator for Fuerteventura, Paloma Hernández, whom they accuse of "merely sending a statement" assuring the commitment of Pedro Sánchez's Government to maintain the continuity of the line, without concrete actions. "It is of no use that a Canary is in the Council of Ministers if they only use their seat to oppose the Canary Islands," ironised Jessica de León.
Meanwhile, the Popular Party insists that the OSP declaration is the only way to guarantee a stable and affordable connection with the mainland. The OSP would allow the State to set frequencies, rates, and service conditions, ensuring its continuity regardless of commercial profitability. For now, the ball is in the court of the Spanish Government, which must respond to parliamentary questions and decide whether to address the unanimous demand of the island.
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