2024 has been a pivotal year for the Canary Islands, marked by widespread protests against mass tourism, a deepening housing crisis, and the grim reality of rising deaths along the Atlantic migration route.
These developments highlight the region's ongoing struggles with economic inequality, environmental concerns, and migration challenges.
A Record Year for Migration and Tragedies at Sea
The Canary Islands experienced the deadliest year to date for migrants attempting to cross the Atlantic. According to the report "Monitoreo Derecho a la Vida" by Caminando Fronteras, 9,757 people died or disappeared while trying to reach the islands in 2024, a staggering 62.4% increase from the 6,007 recorded in 2023. On average, 28 lives were lost every day, translating to one death every 51 minutes.
The most harrowing incident occurred on September 28th, when a boat carrying 90 migrants capsized just four miles off El Hierro. At least 54 people died, with only nine bodies recovered. Similar tragedies occurred throughout the year, including the December 18th sinking of a vessel near Lanzarote that left four dead and four missing.
Efforts to relocate unaccompanied minors from the Canary Islands to mainland Spain were met with political roadblocks. A proposed reform to the Immigration Law, which aimed to mandate redistribution when regional resources reached 150% capacity, was blocked in Congress by Junts and the Partido Popular. Consequently, nearly 6,000 minors remain in overcrowded facilities, with their basic rights at risk.
Protests Against Mass Tourism
On April 20th, a historic demonstration saw nearly 200,000 people across the Canary Islands rally against mass tourism, environmental degradation, and the housing crisis. Protesters carried banners with slogans like "My island is not your amusement park" and "Canaries are not for sale; they are loved and defended."
In Tenerife, the protest exceeded expectations, with organisers claiming over 80,000 participants despite official estimates of 32,000. The movement sought to halt controversial projects such as the "Cuna del Alma" tourist development and the La Tejita hotel. Activists also called for a tourism tax and stricter regulations, but the government rejected these proposals outright.
The movement resurfaced on October 20th, as activists sought to remind authorities of their demands. However, the government has been slow to act, with the new law on short-term rentals, which limits holiday lets to 10% of residential capacity in municipalities, criticised as insufficient by experts.
A Housing Crisis with Few Solutions
The Canary Islands remain one of Spain's regions hardest hit by the housing crisis. Skyrocketing rental prices, coupled with a lack of social housing investment during previous administrations, have left many residents struggling.
A recent decree aimed at addressing the crisis will take years to yield results, and experts argue for immediate measures like rent controls and the repurposing of empty properties.
Economic Hardships and Dependency Challenges
Economic inequality persists, with 33.8% of Canarians at risk of social exclusion. Dependency services remain severely delayed, with applicants waiting an average of 574 days for assistance, the second-longest wait time in Spain.
A new dependency decree has drawn criticism for removing key social evaluation requirements, while delays in recognising disabilities have prompted an investigation by the regional ombudsperson.
Environmental Setbacks and Legislative Stalemates
Environmental advocates have decried the new Canary Islands Climate Change Law, which eliminates measures to protect biodiversity and mitigate global warming.
Critics argue that key provisions from previous drafts were dismissed as “statements of intent.”
A Defining Year for the Canary Islands
From environmental activism to migration tragedies, 2024 has highlighted the Canary Islands’ complex challenges.
As the region grapples with socio-economic inequalities, political stalemates, and environmental threats, its residents continue to demand accountability, sustainability, and solutions.
