La Palma Calls for Island Unity in Post-Volcanic Reconstruction

The president of the Cabildo of La Palma calls to overcome localism and to work as a single block before the State and the EU. The reconstruction of the Valle de Aridane marks the path.

The president of the Cabildo of La Palma, Sergio Rodríguez, has made a call for island unity to face the challenges of the future, especially the reconstruction of the Valle de Aridane after the Tajogaite eruption. In a speech held this morning in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Rodríguez urged the 14 municipalities of the island to leave localism behind and work as a cohesive block.

Overcoming Localism to Move Forward

Rodríguez emphasized that water management, connectivity, and the primary sector are challenges that require a comprehensive vision. "Municipal boundaries are a sterile luxury that we cannot afford," he stated. The president insisted that the future of Puntallana is inextricably linked to that of Los Llanos de Aridane, and that post-volcanic reconstruction is a responsibility of the entire island.

According to the president, fragmentation weakens La Palma before the State and the European Union. "When La Palma speaks with one voice, it is heard. When it disperses into minor debates, it becomes vulnerable," he pointed out. The island has personally experienced the need to present itself as a single block to gain political and financial support.

Resource Optimization and Inter-Municipal Solidarity

The president of the Cabildo highlighted the importance of inter-municipal solidarity as an ethical obligation in a territory with limited resources. "Coordinating investments from strategic plans in a balanced and fair manner is the only tool to balance the territorial scales," he explained. Rodríguez mentioned the Insular Local Development Plan (PIDL) as an example of this coordination, aimed at preventing the existence of first or second-class citizens based on their municipality of residence.

Rodríguez recalled that the Tajogaite eruption in 2021 demonstrated that island cohesion is key to survival. "In the face of adversity, fragmentation weakens us," he asserted. The reconstruction of the Valley, which is still ongoing, has required a joint mobilization of all municipalities and administrations.

Pride in Identity and Heritage

Beyond practical management, the president made a call for island pride. "Being an island is also an exercise in pride, in caring for what defines us and unites us in spirit," he declared. Rodríguez highlighted the cultural and historical heritage of La Palma, from flamenco art in its temples to the work of master artisans of the loom. "It is recognition of a noble, resilient, and generous Palmero character," he emphasized.

The president concluded his speech by urging the people of La Palma to look to the future with hope and determination. "La Palma cannot be managed as the sum of 14 isolated municipalities. We need transversal and brave policies that look exclusively at the common good of the island," he asserted. The island, he said, has the opportunity to become an example of unity and solidarity for the rest of the archipelago.