New Mallorca anti-tourism protest called

tranq tranquerI agree with the basic sentiment that there needs to be available housing for those who aren't "wealthy" (which is a rather subjective term, because many of those buying property or otherwise moving here would be considered "middle class" where they come from). The point is, that there is no simple solution or some magic wand that can be waved and suddenly everything will be OK. And it's not one thing or another that's the root of it. It's many things. Sure, they could opt for isolationism, banning all sorts of things like foreigners buying property, or banning holiday lets, or limiting the number of flights/tourists, but that also has detrimental consequences, would only make it even more attractive (supply and demand) and still wouldn't solve the problem. Anyone trying to "solve" this problem needs to think very carefully about a myriad of different hurdles to overcome. And there won't be any overnight success. It will take planning, and years, if not decades, if ever. It doesn't matter what government is in charge, they're not going to solve it overnight, if ever. One thing that could help is to build low income housing. They could probably get the EU to put in a hundred mil or two, but it still won't solve the problem. Another thing that could help is to offer huge tax breaks to high paying industries such as IT, Pharma, Agro R&D, aerospace... As long as they offer good paying jobs. But then, the workforce will likely be imported too... And there's a certain contingent of objectors that would strenuously object to that. ...and then, there's the issue of actual "overcrowding". Statistically, it's both highly regional, and seasonal. It's not 50 million people eternally cramped onto a tiny island. It's regional and seasonal. And besides, if the "overcrowding" were as bad as some make it out to be, then the attraction and market would naturally diminish. We need real data, not emotional presumptions which will lead to reckless and damaging knee jerks. Nothing is easy. Especially this. But going back to the good old days will never happen either.

Morgan WilliamsI agree with some of what you say Morgan but there must be affordable housing. Otherwise where are the cooks, cleaners, chauffeurs, maids, gardeners, handymen, all those who make life bearable for the wealthy, going to live? In Monaco they all live in Italy and come in every morning by train. Unfortunately we do not have that handy solution. Government must build and control affordable housing and must be pressured until it does.

- Access to decent housing. There's plenty of decent housing, it's just become more expensive. And that's due to a complex array of issues, not just one. There is no magic wand. -An end to property speculation, gentrification and neighbourhood eviction. Property speculation ended long ago. Non-resident buyers will get slammed with massive CGT if they sell within 10 years. And only a bit lower if they aren't pensioners and have officially lived in the property for at least the past 3 years and can prove it. Hardly worth flipping houses here. It's pretty rare, if at all. Gentrification happens everywhere - especially in desirable urban areas. It's not limited to Mallorca, but thankfully it seems to be limited to certain areas of Palma. Neighbourhood eviction? are you getting evicted? You can always squat. That seems to work, and it's free. And you can always extort the property owner for wads of cash to get you to leave. - Improving public services Some of the best in Europe already. Particularly the healthcare system. Public transport is very good. Do you also want all-inclusive? That's one of the things you're railing about isn't it? OK, all-inclusive just for you then? - Decent and well-paid jobs, put an end to precariousness They have this in other European countries. But then, they also have more diverse industries and more highly skilled occupational opportunities. But that also explains why people from those places find it so desirable to buy and rent here. They can afford it. Yet the blunt instruments you suggest could also prevent any chance of attracting higher paying industries. Be careful with that chainsaw. - The conservation and regeneration of natural areas No argument there. As long as it's about conservation, and not ideological (e.g., to keep foreigners out). - Respect for our culture and our language Wholeheartedly agree - however, there's a certain reality that also must be considered. If you seek equality with the rest of the world, then insularity historically tends to render the opposite result. Be careful with how you ringfence this one.

They have a point En esta isla no cabe un tonto más

I would counter demonstrate under the headline, " if all the idiots want to go to the same beaches, villages and resteraunts, then let them carry on. All the better for us locals".

This is another suicide mission. Envouraging more participants in a suicidal, congregational, destruction , of their lives and livelihoods ,on the Island. How many Tourists will they get to cancel or rebook their holidays.? For me ,it is a totally idiotic action, by some very sad deluded people.