Naím Yánez Alonso, government councillor in Arona and advisor to the Cabildo of Tenerife for VOX, is currently the youngest politician to hold both positions on the island, being the first to serve simultaneously as a councillor in Arona and advisor at the Cabildo in this capacity, at the age of 29. Born in Arona, he began his political career in opposition and as a philosophy teacher in two secondary schools on the island of Tenerife.
Since assuming his responsibilities, Yánez has pushed forward some initiatives related to security and citizen coexistence. Among these, he has highlighted motions to strengthen surveillance in the neighbourhoods most affected by illegal occupations, the request for repatriation plans for immigrants in irregular situations, and the creation of educational programmes for young people on culture and values.
Recently, the island councillor expressed his deep concern about the growing phenomenon of illegal immigration in Canarias and its direct effects on security and coexistence, noting that it poses a challenge for younger generations, like his own. In fact, he states that according to data from the Ministry of the Interior, between 2018 and 2024, there were over 4,000 cases of illegal occupation, a 76% increase compared to the previous period. In Tenerife, the increase in immigrants by sea has been 140.4%, with a 63.1% rise in the boats used.
The situation worsens in light of the terrorist alert from the new order of the Islamic State that urges its militants in Africa to head towards European coasts, increasing the risk already posed by immigrants from countries with high Islamic radicalisation, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Yemen.
Yánez cites the motion approved in Jumilla, Murcia, which restricts the use of public spaces for Muslim religious acts, as an example of how municipalities must protect their cultural identity and ensure coexistence. “It speaks to the reality we also face in Canarias,” he states.
The VOX councillor emphasises that “illegal immigration and citizen insecurity go hand in hand. Those who refuse to see it have a problem. Young people are clear about it. It is necessary to adopt tough measures, including repatriations and stricter immigration policies,” asserted the current councillor overseeing the policies of Culture, Tourism, and Historical Heritage in Arona.
Finally, Yánez makes a call to the youth: “Young people are waking up and we are going to work tirelessly to defend our land, our values, and the safety of all Canarians. We cannot remain indifferent to a problem that affects our daily lives and our identity.”
