Mallorca housing protest: over 10,000 march in Palma

More than 10,000 people march through Palma, Mallorca, on Wednesday, 11 November, demanding housing and decent wages, according to the National Police. Unions put the crowd at 45,000. Nearly an hour after the march sets off, people are still waiting to leave Plaza de España.

The march begins at about 18.30 and follows the Avenidas and the Rambla to the Born. There, several protesters stop outside shops that are open. The shops then close.

Why they are marching

José Luis García of the CCOO union says many workers cannot make their wages last until the end of the month. Living costs are rising, he says, while housing costs have climbed sharply. Pedro Homar of the UGT union calls on public authorities to find effective solutions.

Strikes and marches beyond Palma

Unions estimate that about 48 per cent of workers across the Balearics joined the strike by midday. Employers’ groups describe a largely normal day, with little impact on small and medium-sized businesses, hotels and self-employed people. The Balearic government puts participation in education at 14.9 per cent.

More than 2,500 people march in Eivissa on Ibiza, with another 100 on Formentera. In Maó on Menorca, the Government Delegation counts 1,000. The demand for housing reaches well beyond Palma.

Topics: Protests · Strikes · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com