LA PALMA – Pedro Sánchez has visited La Palma four times since the eruption of the volcano. During the latest visit, he announced the government was increasing the financial state aid support for victims of the crisis.
A few days ago he promised €206 million for the reconstruction plan. However, on Wednesday he increased the support to €214 million. Furthermore, this amount is earmarked for areas of ‘vital importance’, according to Sánchez. And will, therefore, be invested in housing, agriculture and fisheries, irrigation, infrastructure, and employment. And of this, €60 million has been pledged for the special ERTEs. This is to enable the Canary Islands to guarantee “opportunities, jobs, stability, and security” for the population of the Islands.
Security for people La Palma
We are working together to provide the greatest security for the people of La Palma,’ the Prime Minister said during his visit to the island. He predicted that ‘unfortunately it will not be the last visit’ and promised that he would return.
Visito de nuevo La Palma. Todas las instituciones trabajamos para dar a los palmeros/as la mayor de las certidumbres. Eso es lo que quiere la ciudadanía: política con altura de miras que sitúe sus problemas en el centro de nuestras prioridades. Con unidad reconstruiremos la isla. pic.twitter.com/1NBpnrYvjC
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) October 13, 2021
The head of government met with representatives of the Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan (Pevolca) and then appeared before the media at the Salazar Palace. He then travelled to the aid centre for the victims in Los Llanos de Aridane, one of the towns worst affected by the eruption.
Ten days ago, the President made his penultimate visit to La Palma. At that time, he announced a second state aid package for the island. This was worth €206.9 million, to safeguard housing, businesses, plantations, and infrastructure. It was also to alleviate the island’s water supply problem and provide support in the areas of employment, agriculture, and tourism.
Previous visits
Sánchez’s first visit after the volcanic eruption took place on 19 September, the day of the eruption. He remained on the island for a few days, interrupted by a speech at the UN General Assembly. Sánchez returned to the island to accompany the King and Queen on their visit to La Palma on September 23.
During the first visit, La Palma was the setting for an international interview of Sánchez with the CNN news channel. The Spanish Prime Minister had arranged an interview with journalist Christiane Amanpour, who was to ask him questions from London, during the UN General Assembly. However, Sánchez’s fleeting visit to the Big Apple to return to the Canary Islands meant that the connection had to be made from La Palma.
