There is an interesting feature on the BBC website about political corruption on the island. Now, initially I was rather shocked by the article which basically underlined some of the problems which exist “in paradise.” “Spanish sleaze: Majorca faces corruption cleanup...” is the headline for the article which includes interviews with serving politicians. “On a bigger scale, the Metro underground in Palma, Majorca’s capital, cost €350m but is used by just 1.2 million passengers a year, or just 3,288 passengers a day, the equivalent of a busy bus route....,” the article says and goes on to report: “over the past five years, 16 former Balearic PP politicians and eight members of Unio Mallorquina, a hinge party which joined the PP and Socialists in power in the archipelago, have been jailed for corruption and malpractice....” The report really brings home the problem of corruption on Majorca and the extraordinary incidents which have happened over recent years from the jailing of former Balearic President Jaume Matas to Princess Cristina going on trial in Palma for tax offences. The article ends with a quote from a media professional who says: “Majorca is a rich person’s paradise but people should look more closely at the other side. Corruption is making people want to go elsewhere.” This may be the case but I do not think that anyone can criticise the judiciary or the police for their efforts to bring corruption under control at all levels.
Making the news
29/03/2016 00:00
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Jason just wondered if you have any plans to notify the British press about the new tourist tax that starts July not a word so far in any of the British papers are travel agents keeping stum also perhaps Majorca thinks it is not a problem just hit the Brits when they arrive I just wonder with all the corruption you are reporting where this so called tourist tax will end up
Stan,Jason Moore must be the most naive journalist on this planet and walk around with his eyes and ears closed.I saw the corruption when I lived in Santa Ponsa and could not have bought the apartments I bought without black money involved and I am FAR FROM ALONE in that respect. As for the MDB revealing the extent of the corruption,pigs might fly,don't forget it may be printed in English but it's owned by a Mallorquin group.
Jason,you must walk around with your eyes and ears closed,Majorca,specifically Calvia was the most corrupt place I have ever lived,I bought two apartments during the time I lived in Santa Ponsa and in both cases,brown envelopes of black money were passed across the table with a lawyer present in the room,it was black money or no sale. Calvia council was reputed to be the richest council in europe when I lived there but all that money disappeared,leaving Calvia Council almost broke. Have you forgotten that the Palma Local Police are also under investigation.?26 corrupt Balearic politicians jailed in five years,that is some record but how many corrupt politicians and officials have got away with it.?
AT LAST. There is an element of truth emerging as to what is, and has, happened in Mallorca. PERHAPS the " Bulletin " and their intrepid reporters, can start to reveal what really is occurring in the Balearics. BUT CAN IT BE PUT INTO PRINT ?