"Completely insane, it's leading to employment losses" - Rebellion emerges against the mayor of Mallorca.
The mayor, Martinez, faced opposition from his coalition partner and other parties for attempting to impose his hardline measures unilaterally, without consulting them first. This action caused them to feel offended. In fact, his coalition partner even threatened to end the coalition. Is this tourism controversy going to cost the powerful regional politician his job?
At the city council in Palma, there was a wave of criticism regarding Martinez's plans. His attempts to address the consequences of mass tourism through hasty bans, increased tourist tax, and limits on the number of tourists were seen as an overreaction to the mass protests.
"Wrong approach"
Nadescha Leitze (45), owner of "Imbiss Pause" on the beach, has a limited understanding of the situation: "If the government implements the measures as planned, they'll be harming the hand that feeds them. Mallorca could collapse without tourism. Everyone relies on tourism. It's insane - it would mean losing jobs for all of us!"
She acknowledges that there are days when Palma is overcrowded, but that's not the case every day. She feels that the price level on Mallorca should be lower. Her plea to tourists: "Please remain loyal to us!"
"Reacting too quickly"
"Hurtful for the business"
Sven Gonzales (44), owner of the vehicle rental company BikeKing, shares a similar perspective: "From the perspective of a rental company, the entire bundle of planned measures would be harmful for the business. Restrictions on vacation rentals make sense because otherwise, locals can't find affordable housing. In the outskirts of Palma, there aren't any apartments under 1000 euros. I can comprehend the concerns of the residents."
Gonzales also comprehends certain considerations: "I find the mayor's announcement that locals must clean up to 50 meters in front of their own doors before offering take out food to be ridiculous, as everyone already does this. The guests should feel comfortable because we rely on tourists."
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