The impact of the protests in the Canary Islands
On April 20, a demonstration was called that triggered in-depth debates about the tourism model and territorial management in the Canary Islands. Growing citizen awareness is reflected in the protests, evidenced by images of pollution, crowded and degraded spaces, reports of worsening living conditions and warnings about the growth of prostitution.
Historical development of citizen consciousness
The increase in citizen awareness in the Canary Islands has its roots in late Francoism and has been driven by the founding of associations such as ASCAN in Gran Canaria and ATAN in Tenerife, which advocate for environmental causes. This movement is related to the development of environmental sciences and human rights, influencing the worldviews of recent generations.
Relationship between citizen awareness and the exhaustion of the neoliberal model
Citizen consciousness has been affected by the exhaustion of the neoliberal model and its consequences in the Canary Islands, such as drought and rising temperatures. This has contributed to the call for historic mobilizations in the Canary Islands.
The role of social movements
The importance of social movements as drivers of change and social evolution is recognized. These movements provide elements of consciousness supported by science, interpret the needs of citizens and demand their public representation. It is crucial to listen to and give space to these movements to strengthen democracies.
Critical perspective on the attitude of the rulers
A criticism is raised of the paradoxical attitude of the rulers who evade the demands of environmental activists. This attitude recalls the paradox pointed out by Bertolt Brecht in his poem ‘The Solution’, evidencing the disconnection between the rulers and the people.
Academic vision of protests and their relationship with social and political processes
In the academic field, it is recognized that environmental protests are inseparable from social and political processes. The importance of social movements as fundamental pillars of democracies is highlighted and a call is made to address the demands of these movements more effectively.
The expert voice: Dr. Barbara Rostecka
Dr. Barbara Rostecka, professor at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of La Laguna and UNED, offers an outstanding perspective on citizen activism in the Canary Islands.
