Jaime Martínez of the Partido Popular has been the mayor of Palma for three years. With one more year to go, an opinion poll suggests he can look forward to a further four years. If all goes ahead as expected, the 2027 municipal election will see two former Balearic tourism ministers going head-to-head to be mayor. In the blue corner, Martínez; in the red corner, Iago Negueruela of PSOE. Martínez has already delivered a blow. The poll by the Balearic Institute of Social Studies indicated
a gain of one council seat for the PP – to a total of 12 out of 29. For PSOE there was the loss of one seat – down to seven from eight. Then there is the former Chief of Staff of the Army, Fulgencio Coll of Vox; they can anticipate gaining one more seat – up from six to seven. (Més are set to have the other three seats.) The right/far-right would thus continue to have a majority, a question going forward being whether
Vox formally enter the administration or not. Martínez says his aim is to have a sufficient majority so that the PP don’t depend on anyone on a daily basis. He will have to go some to achieve this. It’s highly unlikely, but then as he maintains that the PP minority administration with external support has been effective, he sees no reason to change a formula that works. This formula has been reasonably harmonious, far more so than in the Balearic Parliament. But Vox have the
potential to play hardball and may well do with the 2027 budget. Martínez says: “These budgets affect many investments and policies. Not approving the 2027 budget would be going against the investments and projects that are already under way.” He refers to the likes of a new community centre and to competitions that have been held for “transformative project ideas” (the GESA Building has been one). There are projects that are due to begin in 2027, e.g. the redevelopment of Plaça Major. Perhaps above all
though, the three years have been dominated by the housing crisis. And it hasn’t gone away. Martínez says building affordable housing during the current period of office will be difficult. “There are a couple of initiatives under way. Under the housing emergency plan, we had 1,200 rental units at a limited price; 167 have already been allocated, and about 900 more will be released soon. We’re seeing a trickle of homes being created through conversion of commercial spaces. It’s a steady trickle. “Eight strategic residential
projects have been presented. We’re talking about almost 10,000 homes, 5,000 of which are publicly subsidised. We need to be very agile so that they’re on the market as soon as possible. Then we have the regeneration of Son Gotleu, Verge de Lluc, Camp Redó, Son Roca, and certain areas of Playa de Palma. We can revitalise existing housing stock, much of it vacant, with public investment and potential subsidies from the state housing plan or European funds. Cracking down on tourist rentals also helps.”
In respect of public housing, Martínez refers to a project for the old prison. The eviction of squatters now completed, he says every possible assistance has been provided, including social resources for voluntary relocation. “This situation should never have arisen. During the two left-wing administrations, they turned a blind eye. When we took office, we confronted the problem, and we have now restored normality to something residents had been denouncing for ten years. The planning department is drafting a housing project that will be put
out to tender in the coming months.” The new housing projects will mean more people and greater demand for services – transport, for instance. “There are specific projects that are under way, such as the metro from Plaça Espanya to Son Ferriol, Son Llàtzer, the Airport, Playa de Palma and Llucmajor. Also, with the metro that will connect to Son Espases Hospital. “More than 5,000 people register as residents in Palma each year. This population increase should be accompanied by investments in roads and other
services, but this new demographic model has not been addressed over the past 20 years. It’s not housing that brings cars or creates needs: it’s the people themselves who come to the city and register as residents. Housing is a solution, not a problem.”
Palma, housing crisis, Jaime Martínez, Partido Popular, PSOE, Vox, Fulgencio Coll, 2027 municipal election, city council seats, 2027 budget, Plaça Major redevelopment, Son Gotleu, Verge de Lluc, Camp Redó, Son Roca, Playa de Palma