The Balearics put their body

PalmaWe complain, and rightly so, about how the so-called European investors – who are speculators or aspiring to be – arrive in the Islands to acquire plots of land or already built villas and transform them into real estate assets. They buy for one million and want to make three. Or they rent to acquaintances and engage in tourist activity without any authorization. Of course, the transaction takes place in their home countries, and the Islands merely provide the territory, their body, in short, so that others can get rich.

There are municipalities that have dedicated themselves much more to this economy, which involves renouncing the landscape for everyone so that a privileged few can have it. This, in the 60s, was not known, nor was it thought about. Only a few denounced it. Today, there is a majority that considers enough is enough.

But from that to things changing, there is a big difference. Municipalities like Capdepera, Sant Lluís, Sant Josep, Calvià, and Andratx, among many others, have specialized in villas and this economy of urbanization, if possible, luxury. There are others.

All these municipalities have very well-watered public coffers. Because the contributions are not small. However, each year they sacrifice thousands of square meters for the enjoyment of only a few. In the case of western Mallorca, the coastline is frightening and pitiful. Cement ensaïmadas and villas that devour pieces of mountain with indecent licenses. And, above all, an economy that needs to devour to maintain jobs. Only irresponsible politicians do not stop an unsustainable model that impoverishes the people from within, even if their children now go around in prams. Villages with tasteless gardens, lawns, and houses with jacuzzis.