SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 28 Aug. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The President of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, has branded the Vox leader, Santiago Abascal, as an “authentic fascist” after he called for the confiscation and sinking of the Open Arms boat, which has docked in Tenerife.

While addressing reporters during a visit to the NGO’s vessel, Clavijo remarked that someone in a position of responsibility should act with more “prudence” regarding such statements.

He indicated that Abascal “needs to choose his words more carefully,” as his comments incite “tension and discomfort,” ultimately posing a disservice to democracy. Clavijo added that he is beginning to wonder if Abascal is also against democracy, akin to his views on Open Arms.

Clavijo emphasised that while he respects Vox’s presence in Congress and the Senate—”as those are the rules of democracy”—he does not agree with their rhetoric at all. He believes that Abascal should acknowledge that other individuals, who “think differently,” are entitled to engage in the solidarity and human rights work that Open Arms provides.

“I am certain that if he were to face a shipwreck and Open Arms were nearby, he would expect them to rescue him, although I am unsure if he would do the same for Open Arms,” he elaborated.