Farmers protested earlier this year against bird protection rules. | Guillem Mas

TW
2

There will be another demonstration in Palma this coming Saturday. This won't be one to do with tourism but will be something of a countryside alliance against government policies.

It will bring together farmers, hunters, the pro-bullfighting lobby as well as recreational fishermen in protesting against agricultural and environment policies. The various groups wish to show their opposition to, among other things, the new law on animal protection, the expansion of areas for the special protection of birds and new marine reserves.

The platform for the defence of the rural world is being led by the hunters federation. Its president, Pedro Bestard, says that the different groups are tired of the government bringing up new laws that have a negative effect on rural life. "All of them have been approved without first agreeing the views of the sectors or owners who are affected."

The association of horse riders in defence of public ways will not be taking part. Initially it was going to but has now reached an agreement in principle with the government regarding these ways and routes. There will, however, be private individuals with their horses and with carriages, and they will set off to the government's Consolat de Mar headquarters from the Son Pardo hippodrome.

Tractors will leave from the old Balearic stadium and these, together with the horseriders, will link up with hunters and fishermen at the Plaça del Tub before moving on to the Consolat. Bestard says that he hopes President Armengol will be there to receive them.

He believes that the demonstration will be large as, for instance, hunters' societies from across Majorca are chartering coaches to go to Palma. It may be that there will be further support for the demonstration from the Asaja agricultural businesses association. It has yet to say whether it will be taking part.