Editorial: Politics

I don´t understand politics, well at least Spanish politics. Out of a rather bad bunch of senior politicians in key posts I would say that the Mayor of Palma Mateo Isern has done rather a good job. He has introduced the Good Citizen Plan which has helped pacify the more lively side of the Playa de Palma, he has promoted the city as an all-year-round holiday destination and the new look-city has even won praise in the international media.   But rather strangely it looks as if he will not be standing for re-election next year. It appears that it wasn´t his decision but his party, the Partido Popular. Balearic President, Jose Ramon Bauza, is said to be no fan of the Mayor and has said that it will be up to the party in Palma to name their candidate. It appears that Isern is not top of their list. It would be a great shame if Isern did go because I do  believe that he has a vision for Palma. He has underlined the city´s credentials as an all year round holiday destination and has even encouraged shopkeepers to be more flexible with their opening hours. Palma is a vibrant city and needs a vibrant Mayor. But that is politics. Bauza himself faces a nightmare task to get re-elected next year. Opinion polls point to a defeat for the Partido Popular which could open the door for another socialist led, rainbow coalition of nationalists and left-leaning parties. Bauza´s plans to the new three language learning system in local schools have not been well received and it could cost him at the ballot box.