Mallorca social aid row: five-year rule challenged

A proposed Mallorca social aid fund for families hit by the economic effects of the war in the Middle East has sparked a row over a five-year residence rule. The PSIB says town halls will have to assess applications, support families and run the payments. The party also says the plan was sent to municipalities and municipal associations on 1 September, despite covering 2026 and 2027.

The Island Institute of Social Services (IMAS) sent out an addendum for the new funding line, known as the social shield. PSIB deputy spokeswoman at the Consell de Mallorca Sofía Alonso said the money could be important for municipalities, but rejected the idea that it amounts to an urgent response after eight months of 2026 have already passed.

Town halls face the workload

PSIB accuses the Consell de Mallorca of shifting responsibility for rising prices on to local councils without talks or coordination. It says community social services will be left to judge need, assist families and manage the aid under conditions that were not agreed with them.

Alonso said councils should not have to turn down funds that may help many families. But she said they would have to deal with the impact of rules imposed without their agreement.

Residence rule under fire

Applicants would need to prove five continuous years of residence to receive the aid. Alonso said that means somebody seeking support for a difficulty arising in 2026 would have to show they had lived on Mallorca since 2021.

PSIB says the condition has no social or legal basis and does not appear in the rules governing social services in the Balearics or Mallorca. The party argues that it creates an unjustified difference in treatment which could breach the principle of equality.

Topics: Social affairs · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com