“They Aim to Limit Citizen Participation: The Public Consultation Period Must Be Extended to 7 October as Established by Law”
The Socialist Group in the Cabildo of Lanzarote is condemning the lack of transparency and the intention of President Oswaldo Betancort to reduce the timeframe for public participation regarding the highly significant Draft Management and Use Plan (PRUG) for the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park.
The document, currently in the environmental consultation phase, was made public on 7 July for a period of two months, which would conclude on 7 September. However, Law 4/2017 on Land and Protected Natural Spaces in the Canary Islands clearly states that the month of August is not valid for public participation purposes, meaning the deadline should be extended to 7 October.
The Socialist spokesperson in the Cabildo, Ariagona González, warned that the island government “intends to act behind the backs of citizens, shortening participation deadlines and limiting transparency in a process crucial for the future of La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago.” She also raised concerns that “the lack of legal guarantees could jeopardise the validity of the document. This already happened with the previous PRUG, which was annulled by the courts in 2016. We cannot allow history to repeat itself by disregarding the law.”
The PSOE of Lanzarote clarified that it will submit objections within the appropriate timeframe, but emphasised that its demand aims to protect associations, groups, and individuals who, due to the technical complexity and summer period, may face disadvantages in formulating their contributions.
“August is practically an inactive month, during which most groups and administrations have reduced capacity to respond. Shortening the deadline undermines citizens’ right to participate in a debate that affects a natural area of immense value, part of the Biosphere Reserve and the Geopark of Lanzarote,” González noted.
Therefore, the socialists have submitted a formal request demanding that the public consultation period be extended to 7 October, ensuring compliance with the law and guaranteeing the legal security of a document essential for the future of the Chinijo Archipelago.
