A viral TikTok video has ignited a fierce debate in the Canary Islands, highlighting tensions between tourism and local identity. The controversy centers around businesses employing staff who primarily speak English, leaving some Spanish-speaking locals feeling marginalized.
'We Speak Spanish Here': TikTok Sparks Debate
The video, created by Nessa Bratz, a popular Canarian TikToker, recounts an experience at a Tenerife supermarket. Bratz claims she was unable to communicate with a shop assistant who only spoke English. Her frustration resonated with thousands of Canarians, sparking a wider discussion about the impact of mass tourism on daily life.
"I went to ask for a product I couldn’t find, but she, as best she could, told me: ‘Sorry, no Spanish.’ Just like that," Bratz explained in her video. "Why hire someone who only speaks English in a place where we speak Spanish?"
Locals Feeling Pushed Aside
While Bratz clarified her criticism wasn't directed at the individual employee, she questioned the hiring practices that prioritize English proficiency over Spanish fluency in the service sector. She argued that Spanish, or “Canarian Spanish,” should be a requirement for public-facing roles in the islands.
"In a restaurant job interview, they ask you what level of English you have. If it’s low, they won’t hire you. And now we’re allowing people to work here without knowing Spanish?" she questioned, highlighting the perceived imbalance.
The incident has fueled concerns that locals are being forced to adapt to foreign languages in their own homeland, simply to access services. This raises questions about preserving Canarian identity and culture in the face of increasing tourism.
Beyond the language debate, the Canary Islands are also facing scrutiny regarding their unique tax system, the AIEM. This tax, designed to protect local producers, is being reviewed by the European Commission. Concerns have been raised about the lack of input from tourist municipalities, which contribute significantly to the tax revenue.
The AIEM taxes various goods and services used by the tourism industry, and some argue that it disproportionately burdens those who contribute the most to the islands' economy.