Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista, Podemos, IU and Movimiento Sumar announced on Thursday an agreement they have described as «historic» ahead of the general election on 29 November, when these parties will stand together under the banner «Unidad del Pueblo Canario (UPC)».
This was announced in a statement by the parties involved, which brings together, with the exception of Drago, the various left-wing parties in the Canary Islands on a single ballot paper; this marks the first agreement at national level to unite Podemos and Sumar on the same ballot paper.
They also do so using an acronym that pays homage to the Unión del Pueblo Canario, the coalition of communist, pro-independence and left-wing nationalist political parties in the Canary Islands that existed between the late 1970s and early 1980s
UPC Alliance: Drago is standing for election independently this time
In 2023, these left-wing groups (with the exception of Nueva Canarias) stood as allies under the Sumar banner and won a seat for Las Palmas, which ultimately broke away from that group, as its elected representative, Noemí Santana, was the general secretary of Podemos on the islands and preferred to represent the purple party.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where Sumar failed to win a seat, the list was headed by Alberto Rodríguez, the former organisational secretary of Podemos and founder of Drago, a party which this time chose to stand on its own.
The Canary Islands Left prioritises housing and public services
For those who now make up Unidad del Pueblo Canario, this agreement «responds to the demands of the archipelago’s citizens» and places «the defence of the Canary Islands‘ interests, the right to housing and the strengthening of public services» amongst their priorities.
For Irene Montero, the Podemos candidate, the agreement reached in the Canary Islands also represents «the way forward», as she explained on her X account.
«We have reached an agreement with Nueva Canarias, IU and other parties to stand together in the elections. 'Unidad del pueblo canario' will be the name of the coalition. And we are continuing to seek agreements in other regions. Thank you, comrades, this is the way forward. We’ll carry on,» she wrote.
«The coalition was formed with a shared objective: to defend the interests of the Canary Islands with a strong, independent voice in the Congress of Deputies. The parties consider it essential that the unique characteristics of the archipelago are heard and respected in the State’s decision-making. In the face of fragmentation, they have opted for cooperation, mutual respect and political responsibility,» the four parties state in the press release.
The four political groups, the statement adds, believe that defending the Canary Islands «requires putting the needs of its citizens before party political interests, whilst fully respecting human rights and putting a stop to fascism».
«Today, it is our ability to build a better future for the Canary Islands together that has triumphed, not any single political party acting alone. Unity does not mean giving up what each organisation stands for, but rather putting it at the service of a common project for the people and the region we call home,» the four political groups stated.
The UPC negotiations lasted more than a year
According to these parties, the negotiations have lasted «more than a year», a period during which «forums for discussion, dialogue and trust» have been established.
«The bringing forward of the general election has made it possible to translate this prior effort into a joint candidacy. Four political forces, each with their own history and identity, have decided to stand together. On 29 November, there will be a single ballot paper, that of the UPC, which represents the strength and hope of the Canarian people,» the statement concludes.
Podemos Canarias sees the alliance as a model for Spain
In a separate statement, Podemos Canarias has welcomed the unity of the left on the islands and called for the agreement to be turned «into an example for the whole of Spain».
«Podemos Canarias believes that differences of opinion can be overcome when there is political will and a shared objective. We are therefore confident that the Canary Islands‘ experience will serve as a model for other regions and help to build a left that is more united, courageous and committed to the needs of the social majority,» said Podemos.
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