Protests against overtourism and its effects on island life continue in Mallorca. GOB Mallorca and Terraferida announced they will organize a new action on Saturday, August 29, one month after the "Mallorca al límite" demonstration held in Palma on July 26.

Figures from organizers and official authorities regarding participation in the previous demonstration differed. Organizers stated that over 70,000 people took to the streets of Palma, while authorities announced approximately 25,000 participants. Demonstrators had demanded a reduction in tourism density, alleviation of pressure on the housing market, and the protection of the quality of life for island residents.

Organizers criticize the silence of political institutions

GOB Mallorca and Terraferida requested a meeting with Marga Prohens, President of the Balearic Islands Autonomous Government, and Llorenç Galmés, President of the Mallorca Island Council, after the July demonstration. The organizations stated that neither institution initiated a dialogue process.

Organizers described this situation as "politically unjustifiable". The aim of the new protest is to bring island residents back to the streets and keep the demands regarding tourism density on the agenda.

The August 29 action was initiated by activist Madò Farta. The planned symbolic action calls on citizens to "reclaim the streets" and reiterate the message that Mallorca has reached the limit of its tourism pressure.

Housing and tourist rentals among priority demands

At the forefront of the demands announced by the organizations is the housing market. They demand that the entire Balearic Islands be declared a high-pressure zone in the housing market. Additionally, they demand a temporary halt to new tourist rental licenses and a gradual reduction in existing tourist accommodation capacity.

GOB Mallorca and Terraferida state that merely limiting the pressure of tourist rentals on the right to housing is not enough. The organizations argue that tourist rental capacity must be reduced.

A temporary halt to new construction permits in rural areas is also among the demands. The organizations want certain regulations that weaken land protection, under the pretext of simplifying administrative procedures, to be revoked.

Demand for change in transport, water, and climate policies

Organizations supporting the protest demand a reorganization of Mallorca's transport policy. Prioritizing public transport over private cars, limiting the number of vehicles that can circulate on the island, and expanding the railway network are proposed. The abandonment of new road projects is also demanded.

Adaptation to climate change and the protection of water resources are also among the demands. The organizations want climate policies covering 2030 and 2050 targets to be prepared. They demand the strengthening of green infrastructure and that the energy transition be carried out while preserving Mallorca's natural areas.

In water management, the protection of groundwater resources and the reduction of consumption are demanded. New tourism or construction projects are requested to be planned according to the island's actual water capacity.

Strengthening local agriculture demanded

The sixth important topic is food production. GOB Mallorca and Terraferida want agricultural lands to be protected and local production to be supported. The aim is to protect the island's agricultural areas and primary sector while increasing Mallorca's capacity to meet the food needs of its own population.

The organizations acknowledge that these measures alone cannot solve all of Mallorca's problems. However, they argue that their implementation would signal a significant change in direction for tourism and land policies.

With the new demonstration planned for August 29 in Palma, organizers aim to keep the demands voiced after the mass protest on July 26 on the political agenda. Image: © Tourinews material and AI-generated image