The minister Iago Negueruela criticised this absence as did the president of Pimem, Jordi Mora, who said that it was "inconceivable" that the delegation was not represented. Negueruela insisted that there has to be coordination between all public bodies in tackling illegal selling. There could be "no shirking of responsibilities". He hoped that Maria Salom, the government's delegate, would attend the next meeting. Her input is particularly important because the National Police come under the state's authority as also do the administrations for foreigners, tax and labour inspection when it comes to "irregular" situations involving foreigners.
The meeting addressed the issue in three ways: the social angle, as the sellers belong to "mafias" and have no labour rights; policing; and awareness-raising. There are to be campaigns to tell tourists that this is illegal trading and that they shouldn't be buying from street sellers. It was decided that fining purchasers would not be appropriate.
Rafael Ballester of Afedeco believed that it was impossible to eliminate the problem completely but that "we should try to make it as small as possible". Angelica Pastor, Palma's councillor for public safety, said that all tourist municipalities should be working along the same lines. "It is a problem for everyone."
Bernat Coll of Pimeco acknowledged that the minister was showing political will in addressing the issue, but he added that it is "a hot potato that is passed from one administration to another". He was also critical of the government delegation's non-attendance, while he added that the problem of illegal selling didn't seem to be a priority for Palma town hall, while it is for other municipalities.
6 comments
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At least the politicians are consistent in talking absolute rubbish.They have been "shirking responsibility " for years with illegal selling.The retailers association must be the weakest of the weak.Perhaps they should make way for the taxi drivers,they would have it sorted in days! In Calvin they seem to know when police will come and importantly when they will go and not return. Happy they have not decided to fine tourists for purchasing,as always in Mallorca shift the blame. Could be sorted but as always who runs the island,police ,politicians ,or,others?
Its only a hot potato because the perpetrators are black, end of story. Its the same with the criminals who mug and rob in Magaluf. Why oh why are we so terrified to say it as it is? Political correctness is a modern day scourge. The government here are pussy footing about for just this reason. Anyone else committing these crimes, their feet wouldn't touch the ground.
It's easy stopped ... arrest and confiscate all goods instead of driving round and watching them pack and run only for the sellers to return to exactly the same spot within minutes ....
I agree with 'Oh Please'. We are an island, stopping these goods would be so easy. I doubt they come in by plane. They are trucked in on the ferry. Very simple way to eradicate the problem. Stop it at the source. As for the 'social' angle. I just do not get this at all. They are illegal, selling illegal goods and not paying taxes. If I engaged in this behaviour, I would be arrested. You cannot have one rule for one and one rule for others. That's how a fair society works. We create rules and regulations and then we ask that people abide by them. This is a principle that some here in Mallorca in political office have forgotten.
Simple solution - stop the goods being imported
Why do you need a solution to something that is illegal? If people carry out something illegal they should be arrested and removed from the streets. After prison and/or fines, if they continue the illegal activity they should be deported.