Last Monday the 27th we presented the budget proposal for the year 2024 of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria. They are the first of this mandate and mark the beginning of a new chapter in the management of the island although, at the same time, they give continuity to the transformation process undertaken by the island institution and its progressive government eight years ago. With a total of 916.691.994,15 euros, it reflects a significant increase of 69.282.121,35 euros compared to the previous year (8,18%).
These data reveal a constant effort by the Government of Gran Canaria to respond to current challenges, marked by the consequences of the health, economic and social crises, as well as international conflicts and rising inflation. Despite these obstacles, the political commitment is clear: strengthen public services, serve the most vulnerable and reactivate the island economy.
And we necessarily have to do it supported by all the instruments linked to public policies in cultural, social, sports, housing, equality, transparency, solidarity, employment, citizen participation, historical heritage, environment or of the island model of mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
And we will do so by betting on energy sovereignty, food sovereignty, sustainable mobility, water sovereignty, diversified, digital and sustainable tourism, green, blue and circular economies, reforestation of the territory, innovation, modernization and digitalization that will make us move towards an intelligent island.
And, finally, promoting the modernization of the administration, the improvement of public infrastructure and the necessary equipment to guarantee the quality of life of the men and women of Gran Canaria.
The budget is also notable for the absence of loans, demonstrating prudent financial management. The remainder from previous years -103 million euros-, added to the debt capacity, provide flexibility to face future eventualities. The low figure of debt - barely one million euros - and the ability to resort to loans, for more than five hundred million, without conditioning its autonomy, offer an optimistic outlook and demonstrate the financial solidity of the Cabildo and its ability to face adverse situations.
In terms of expenses, 18,38% goes to staff, a decrease from the previous year. However, the greatest effort and the greatest increases compared to last year are evident in social policies, with 28,73% of the budget (264 million euros) and in economic items that represent 34% of the total. (312 million euros) and represent a milestone in the history of the island. The items dedicated to economic and social development occupy 62,76% of the budget (576 million euros).
The investment section, with a total of 209.731.185,23 euros, reflects a clear commitment to the development of the island. This approach is reflected in the execution of the Transforma Plan, which has already allocated around 900 million euros to investments in Gran Canaria.
One more year, as reflected in the official statistical data, it is the Cabildo, - with the town councils and here also our role is fundamental, financing a large part of their investments -, the administration that supports public works in Gran Canaria in these moments.
These accounts will allow us to continue investments in roads, commercial and industrial areas, public housing policies, renovation of tourist infrastructure, improvements in mobility and public transportation, cooperation plans, desalination plants, treatment plants, outfalls and others. hydraulic infrastructures.
Also in renewables, Smart Island, socio-health centers, Museum of Fine Arts, Cabildo building (area of the egg or brain of De La Sota), World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve, archaeological parks and historical heritage, employment, reforestation, regeneration of the landscape, the Cumbre Vive, ecoparks, agriculture and livestock, modernization of administration...
And relevant works such as, among others, the new Infecar building, the expansion of the Gran Canaria Stadium and the Insular Sports Center, the Gran Canaria Mobility Control Center, the promotion of the Port of Taliarte...
At an economic and labor level, the data indicate an encouraging outlook. Unemployment rates have decreased by 14% on this island compared to 2019, reaching the lowest level in the Canary Islands (15,6% in 2023). Female employment has experienced notable growth, while the youth unemployment rate has decreased by almost fifteen points. The indicators in penetration of renewables, food sovereignty, airport development, audiovisual sector, growth in tourist spending or use of public transportation are at the forefront in the archipelago.
In summary, the 2024 Budget for Gran Canaria emerges as a fundamental tool to promote development amid significant challenges. With a clear focus on social policies, economic recovery and sustainability, the island's Government demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of the population and sustainable progress. These data and figures highlight the economic strength of Gran Canaria and its ability to overcome crises and lead economic and social recovery.
