Palma tourism row: 35% cite tourist overcrowding

A claim that 35% of Balearic people suffer from tourist overcrowding sparked a fierce clash in the Balearic Parliament in Palma on 15 September. PSIB deputy Llorenç Pou demanded action from the regional government. Tourism minister Jaume Bauzà instead accused the previous PSIB administration of bowing to powerful interests in the tourism sector.

Bauzà said Balearic society had suffered under PSIB policies during its previous two terms, when tourist accommodation places increased until a moratorium was approved in its final year. He defended the current Govern’s decree setting tourism limits and criticised the PSIB for voting against it.

Limits and airport control

The minister also attacked Rosario Sánchez, the Secretary of State for Tourism and PSIB candidate for the 2027 regional election. He said she backed higher visitor numbers in Madrid but argued for reduced growth in Palma.

Bauzà also accused the PSOE of refusing to support an airport co-management law which, he said, would keep the Balearic Govern out of Aena’s takings. He contrasted that with PSOE support for changing the name of Palma airport.

Protest and claims of inaction

On the 26 July demonstration against tourist saturation, Bauzà said he had the “utmost respect” for people who voiced their concerns calmly and peacefully. But he said Balearic society was represented by the Parliament elected in 2023.

Pou said the protest targeted the Govern’s “inaction” on tourism. He pointed to record tourist arrivals, 2,500 extra tourist places in 2025 and complaints from the Mallorca Hoteliers Federation about places being created before a cap had been approved.

He also highlighted a tourist-rental flat near Parliament which he said was still listed on Booking. Pou accused the Govern of being tough on the weak but timid with the powerful.

Topics: Protests · Housing · Tourism · Politics · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com