Fuerteventura’s Citizen Movement: Advocating for Dignity and Change
Activists from the citizen movement “Fuerteventura Tiene un Límite” organized a poignant event this past weekend during the Fuerteventura en Música festival (FEM) in El Cotillo. Their mission? To demand a transformation in the socio-economic model which many argue perpetuates poverty for the majority, speculates on housing, and ultimately obstructs access to dignified and affordable rental options for all citizens.
During the event, the air was electric with banners and slogans that resonated with the audience. Messages such as “neither people without houses, nor houses without people” served as powerful reminders of the socio-economic challenges facing many. Alarming statistics were also shared—36.2% of the population in the Canary Islands is at risk of poverty and/or social exclusion. The hardships faced by “kellys” (hotel cleaners), with 70% reportedly self-medicating to manage the physical and mental toll of demanding working conditions, were stark examples of the issues at hand.
Standing Against Racism and Discrimination
The movement also takes a firm stand against hate speech and xenophobic myths. They emphasize that misinformation and institutionalized racism significantly hinder many individuals’ access to fundamental rights such as healthcare, housing, and education. Their anti-racist position underlines a critical reality: those who are migrants or racially diverse often find themselves in extreme precarity. A report titled “Racial Discrimination in Housing” illustrates that housing is one of the primary areas where racial or ethnic discrimination occurs, and it’s an issue that has worsened in recent years.
Housing Affordability Crisis
Turning to the pressing issue of housing accessibility in Fuerteventura, the average rent currently hovers around 900 euros. This is particularly striking when considering that the Canary Islands have the second-lowest wages in Spain, according to the National Institute of Statistics. The situation is exacerbated in La Oliva (Fuerteventura), which ranks among the top five municipalities in Spain for a high percentage of holiday homes. This burgeoning market drives prices further out of reach for local residents.
Advocating for Sustainable Tourism Practices
Another focal point of the protests was the urgent need for a new tourism model accompanied by the implementation of an eco-tax. Such a tax would support the conservation of the island and its inhabitants, as opposed to the mass tourism model that often leads to societal and economic deterioration for many. Activists voiced their concerns, stressing a need for better management of natural resources. The Ministry of Ecological Transition’s recent order to demolish the Hotel de las Dunas de Corralejo to protect a natural area serves as an example of the kind of sustainability they advocate.
Access to Fundamental Resources
On the night of July 6, the activists spotlighted issues of access to fundamental resources—housing, water, and energy. They pointed out how crucial it is to secure access to water, which remains largely in private hands on the island. Their rallying cry encapsulated their vision: “We fill the streets for a better life for all.”
The Resounding Call to Action
This recent event marks just one instance of the ongoing movement under the banner “Canarias Tiene un Límite.” On April 20, all the Canary Islands were mobilized in a historic demonstration, showcasing the growing demand for systemic reform. Plans are already underway for another mass mobilization in October, indicating that the momentum for change continues to build.
The sentiments expressed by the activists reflect a deep-seated desire for change, echoing a broader societal concern for dignity, sustainability, and equitable access to essential resources in Fuerteventura and beyond. As the clamor for rights intensifies, it becomes clear that grassroots movements are pivotal in addressing these urgent societal challenges.
