Mallorca water scrutiny: PP and Vox block hearing

A planned hearing on water checks for building projects has been stopped in Palma, Mallorca, after PP, Vox and independent MP Francisco Cardona voted against it on Wednesday. MÉS per Mallorca had called for Juan Manuel Lafuente, the Balearic minister for the Sea and Water Cycle, to explain measures affecting water-resource reports on some urban developments. PSIB and Formentera MP Llorenç Córdoba backed the request, but the votes were not enough.

The hearing would have focused on measures already approved which sought to remove or restrict those water-resource reports for certain projects.

Parliament calls for housing law reform

In a separate vote, the Balearic Parliament backed a PP motion urging Spain’s central government to reform the national Land Law. The proposal passed by 13 votes to one, with MÉS per Mallorca voting against.

The chamber wants the reform to address the housing emergency in areas facing heavy population and tourism pressure. It also calls for legal changes to make land available for affordable and protected homes.

Parliament asked for faster planning procedures, particularly for licences and specialist reports, to cut delays, avoid administrative blockages and improve legal certainty. It also said the reform should reflect the Balearic Islands’ territorial needs, involve coordination with regional governments and respect environmental sustainability criteria.

Unanimous call for Llevant train plan

MPs also unanimously approved a Unidas Podemos motion on the Llevant train. The Balearic Government has been asked to set out a clear, realistic timetable and secure enough funding for the project.

The Balearic and Spanish governments are being urged to create a joint working group to identify funding routes for the train and other rail schemes under way. Parliament also wants sufficient budget funds in place once administrative procedures are complete and construction plans are ready to go out to tender.

The motion further calls for better and more frequent year-round bus services in Son Servera, Capdepera, Cala Millor and Cala Ratjada. During the tourism season, specific measures should ease traffic congestion and encourage public transport use among residents and visitors.

Topics: Housing · Environment · Tourism · Politics · Son Servera · Capdepera

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com