Thousands of people march through the streets of Palma to protest against tourist saturation, two years after the first major mobilisations. The platform Menys Turisme, Més Vida demands limits on the island's economic model.
The streets of Palma have once again been the scene of a massive protest against tourist saturation. Thousands of people, called by the platform Menys Turisme, Més Vida, demonstrated this Thursday from Plaza de Espanya to Ses Voltes, along a route that passed through the Avenidas, Plaza del Tubo, Las Ramblas and El Born. The mobilization, which began at 19:00, aims to denounce an economic model that, according to the organizers, prevents access to housing and generates a constant feeling of overwhelm on the island.
Dani Comas, spokesperson for the platform, stated before the march began that they expected to gather thousands of people to denounce Mallorca's economic model, just as all limits of tourist saturation are being surpassed. Comas reminded that the fight for degrowth happens every day and encouraged citizens to participate in the demonstration on August 8 in Sóller.
The protest comes two years after the first major mobilisations placed saturation at the centre of political debate. Despite the government’s containment speeches, the island continues to break tourism records. Today’s event is also marked by the recent release of a document from the platform advocating non-violent direct action against businesses linked to tourism, as well as the arrest of two activists accused of vandalising several properties in Santa Maria.
The morning rains have cooled the atmosphere, but have not discouraged attendees. At the end of the route, in Ses Voltes, the organizers will read a manifesto and artist Maria Hein will sing La Balanguera. The day will close with performances by Nastallat and Sa Corrala.
The demonstration has proceeded without incidents, according to sources from the organization. The residents of Palma have once again expressed their frustration at a situation they consider unsustainable. The platform has called for participation in upcoming mobilisations, which will continue in other municipalities on the island.
The housing crisis is one of the main reasons for the protest. Attendees claim that mass tourism has driven up rental prices and made access to decent housing difficult for residents. Additionally, the saturation of infrastructure and the constant feeling of congestion are other issues that the protesters wanted to highlight.
Today’s mobilization is the largest since the protests of 2024, according to the organizers. The platform Menys Turisme, Més Vida has reiterated its commitment to non-violent direct action and announced new actions for the coming months. The demonstration on August 8 in Sóller will be the next event.
The Balearic government, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to sustainable tourism, although the protesters consider the measures taken so far to be insufficient. Today’s protest demonstrates that the debate over tourist saturation is more alive than ever in Mallorca.
You may also like
