The Councilor for Families, Social Welfare and Dependency Care, Sandra Fernandez, has described as “insufficient” the 1.2 million euros allocated to the Balearic Islands by the central government within the distribution of credits for the autonomous communities that make an “overexertion” in the reception of migrant minors.
After participating in the Sectorial Conference of Childhood and Adolescence, Fernandez explained that this new amount is in addition to the two million approved at the previous meeting, but stressed that the figure is still “totally insufficient” to cover the real costs assumed by the reception system of the archipelago.
“The State recognizes that the Balearic Islands is making an overexertion, but maintains the will to refer minors,” criticized the minister, who called for greater consistency in the management and financing of this situation.
Rejection of new referrals
The head of Social Welfare has reiterated the Government’s request that no more minors be referred to the islands, arguing that the Balearic system is already overloaded.
“We are not asking for a migratory contingency to be declared in order to send minors to other communities, but if they already recognize our overexertion, what we are asking is that they do not send us any more,” Fernandez defended.
According to the consellera, the Balearic Islands has taken in migrant minors arriving directly to its territory, which has meant a significant increase in the resources and costs assumed by the island councils and the autonomous government.
Response to accusations of racism
During his first participation in a Sectorial Conference of this type, Fernandez has also taken the opportunity to respond to the accusations of racism launched by the Minister of Youth and Children, Sira Rego, towards the Balearic Executive.
“We completely reject these statements. Neither this Govern nor the island councils, which are welcoming these minors in a dignified and adequate manner, are racists,” he stated forcefully.
The minister insisted that the Government’s commitment is to continue offering humanitarian and responsible care, but called on the central government for greater financial and organizational involvement to ensure the sustainability of the reception system on the islands.
