Mass Protests Against Tourism Flood in Mallorca

Over the weekend, Mallorca made a strong statement against unbridled tourism. According to the organizers, around 10,000 people, even 25,000, took to the streets of Palma under the banners "Let's say enough!" and "Mallorca is not for sale!" Local newspapers such as "Diario de Mallorca" and "Última Hora" described the event as "historic," as it was one of the largest demonstrations to be experienced on the island to date. The wave of protests was initiated by the group "Banc de Temps de Sencelles," which sees a direct link between the sharp increase in visitor numbers, the ever-expanding market for vacation homes, and the resulting problems such as a lack of housing and damage to Mallorca’s natural beauty. A political response and an announcement of a housing emergency are demanded. Dissatisfaction is growing within the community, supported by all social strata. Particularly harsh fates, such as that of a single mother facing imminent homelessness, highlight the urgency of the situation. Despite the essential significance of tourism – around 45 percent of Mallorca's economic performance relies on it – a large part of the population is left empty-handed, both economically and in terms of housing. This discontent was most recently demonstrated by various protest actions. Even players such as real estate agents, who normally benefit from tourism, expressed their solidarity. In the face of criticism, politics, acted upon by the conservative regional president Marga Prohens, is now daring to use strong words and promises measures against overcrowding and for more prosperity for the citizens. The negative sentiment is particularly tangible in the well-known German party zone, the Ballermann. The regional hoteliers complained about the quality of the past season, and recent tragedies, such as the restaurant collapse with four fatalities, increasingly call for heightened state control and intervention in the overloaded area.