The Canarian Government has declared three days of official mourning following the death of the first President of the Canary Islands, Jerónimo Saavedra.
Saavedra was elected as the Socialist President of the Canaries for terms lasting from 1983 to 1987 and from 1991 to 1993, following the establishment of the region as an autonomous community.
A teacher by profession, he also served as Mayor of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and as an Ombudsman. A well-known music lover, he pioneered many cultural projects, including the Canarian Music Festival.
Saavedra’s death has united politicians across the political spectrum in mourning. The President of Lanzarote’s Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, said “Jerónimo has set an example both professionally and personally for the political classes in the Canaries, an affable man who dedicated his life to the islands and defended them throughout his long career.”
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