The concerns expressed by the Asamblea Majorera party go beyond a single incident. They reflect a growing anxiety over the potential normalization of military activities in Fuerteventura, particularly following the deployment of the Brigada Canarias XVI (BRICAN XVI) in May. This deployment was part of the ongoing Operaciones Permanentes conducted by the Armed Forces under their national defense planning. According to the party, “incursions into areas not designated for military maneuvers should not set a precedent or become a regular practice on Fuerteventura”.
A History of Military Occupation Weighs on the Island
The party has framed its concerns within a historical context, highlighting that the Ministry of Defense has occupied over 4,000 hectares along the northern coast of Fuerteventura since the establishment of the Campo de Maniobras y Tiro de Pájara in 1973. That equates to roughly 47 square kilometers taken from the local community. In light of this reality, the Asamblea Majorera considers the presence of military helicopters outside sanctioned areas profoundly unjustified. They state, “It’s hard to understand what they were doing conducting maneuvers in this location when they have ample designated spaces for such activities”.
Moreover, the organization has strongly criticized the lack of prior communication from the Armed Forces. There was no notification to either the local institutions or the affected community regarding the operation. “This absence of transparency shows a complete lack of respect for the people of Fuerteventura,” they argue, asserting that such behavior disregards the institutional agreements made in recent years between the local governments, the Government of Canarias, and the Senate.
“They Use Fuerteventura as Their Playground”
Asamblea Majorera—Coalición Canaria has adopted a particularly scathing tone, lamenting that “once again, they use Fuerteventura as their playground.” The party, which has historically advocated for the demilitarization of the island, views these military actions as “a direct attack on the territory, its environmental values, and the unique fragility of an ecosystem that deserves protection and respect”.
In light of these developments, the organization urges for greater accountability and transparency in military operations, emphasizing the need for dialogue between the Armed Forces and the local populace. The demand for respectful engagement stems from the belief that the military should operate in a manner that considers the social and environmental integrity of the communities impacted by their presence.
This situation highlights the ongoing tension between national interests and local rights, particularly as residents of Fuerteventura grapple with the implications of extensive military presence on their island. The Assembly views this relationship as one that should prioritize the community’s well-being while also respecting the national defense mandates. Their consistent advocacy calls for a balanced approach that safeguards both regional heritage and the requirements of national security.
