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On Sunday, 18th May, residents from across all of the Canary Islands, and members of the Canarian diaspora abroad, will take to the streets in coordinated mass demonstrations in 15 locations to demand an end to what organisers describe as an “unsustainable and exploitative economic model” pushing the archipelago toward social, economic, and environmental collapse.
The movement, which follows earlier large-scale protests against mass tourism like those on 20th April 2024, targets what it sees as unchecked touristification, real estate speculation, growing inequality, and the pursuit of infinite growth in a territory with clear natural and social limits.
Despite widespread public discontent, organisers say political institutions have responded with “regressive legislation” and “manipulation”, citing recent efforts to amend the Land Law and a “hollow” Law of Residence that, they argue, deepen rather than solve the crisis.
“If they don’t listen in the streets, they’ll hear us in everyday life,” say protest organisers, who plan to escalate action at public events, political acts, and key symbols of the current development model.
Key Demands: A Just, Sustainable Future for the Canary Islands
Protesters are calling for a fundamental shift to a people-centred, ecologically responsible model that respects the unique territorial and social conditions of the Canary Islands. Their core demands include:
1. Immediate halt to destructive projects and demolition of illegal developments
This includes halting and dismantling high-profile projects such as:
2. Genuine hotel and holiday rental moratorium
Protesters call for a freeze on new tourist developments and stricter regulation of holiday rentals, particularly to combat the displacement of locals from rural and urban communities.
3. Real Law of Residence
A law that guarantees access to housing, healthcare, and social cohesion, while recognising the territorial carrying capacity of the islands. It should apply without discrimination, with exceptions only for humanitarian cases.
4. Renewables, but not at any cost
While backing a green energy transition, protesters oppose large, centralised energy projects that damage ecosystems and enrich corporations. They demand community-led, decentralised renewable energy using rooftops, car parks, and already degraded land.
5. Stronger protection for natural spaces and a real tourist tax
Campaigners want a genuine ecological tax for tourists, with revenue earmarked for conservation, monitoring, and community benefit.
6. Ecosystem restoration and food and energy sovereignty
They call for reforestation projects that create local jobs and promote self-sufficiency in food and energy, reducing the islands’ dependence on imports.
7. Rejection of unnecessary public infrastructure
Opposition to macro-infrastructure projects such as new roads, ports, airports, and railways is seen as designed to boost tourist and population pressure. Instead, they demand investment in public transport and mobility solutions.
8. Cultural and social heritage protection
Urgent action is needed to prevent the loss of Canarian identity and culture amid growing tourist-driven displacement and homogenisation.
9. End to marine pollution
Immediate measures are demanded to stop millions of litres of untreated wastewater from being dumped into the sea.
10. Environmental restoration law
A new law is proposed to bring Canary Islands restoration policies in line with EU legislation, with a focus on reviving abandoned buildings, former quarries, and degraded zones for conservation purposes.
Where and When: Demonstrations Across the Islands and Beyond
In total, there are 15 demonstrations taking place in the following locations at the following times, remembering that mainland Spain is an hour ahead of the Canaries.
Canary Islands:
Mainland Spain & Abroad:
Organisers of the protests say that the message is clear: “We will not stop until we achieve the change of model the Canary Islands urgently need.”
