The government sends a letter to Marlaska demanding more resources to address the migration crisis.

PalmThe Vice President and Minister of the Presidency, Coordination of Government Action, and Local Cooperation of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Antònia Maria Estarellas, has sent a letter to the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, calling for an urgent meeting to address the migration situation facing the islands. In the letter, Estarellas warns that the Balearic Islands are facing an unprecedented humanitarian emergency due to the sharp increase in boat arrivals from Algeria. In 2025 alone, 4,797 people arrived, of whom 1,500 arrived in August, representing a 77% increase compared to the previous year, the minister explained. Due to its proximity to the Algerian port, Formentera bears the greatest pressure: almost half of the arrivals are concentrated on this island, which has seen its basic services overwhelmed.

The minister also highlighted the human tragedy in the Mediterranean, which has become a "cemetery": more than 40 migrants have died in Balearic waters so far this year, and another 15 people remain missing after shipwrecking.

Furthermore, Estarellas explains that one of the main challenges is the reception of unaccompanied minors. The island councils already care for 682 migrant minors—more than 300 of whom will arrive in 2025 alone—which represents an overcrowding of more than 1,000% of the planned capacity.

The Government denounces that, despite this situation, Royal Decree 743/2025 sets the ordinary capacity of the Balearic Islands at 406 places and that the Government of Spain still intends for the Balearic Islands to assume the guardianship of fifty more unaccompanied minors from other communities.

Estarellas emphasizes that the migration crisis is aggravated by the structural shortage of Civil Guard and National Police officers in the Archipelago, estimated at around 500 officers in each force. Although the Government has promoted tax incentives, salary supplements, and transfers of protected housing to attract personnel, it insists that "without the determined support of the Ministry of the Interior, we will not be able to address this situation."

Therefore, the Balearic Government requests:

• More Civil Guard and National Police officers on all the Islands.
• Specific reinforcements in Formentera, with an Integrated External Surveillance System (SIVE) radar, a permanent Maritime Rescue presence, and additional reception resources.
• Real coordination and direct communication channels with the Ministry of the Interior.
• Request to the European Union to deploy Frontex in Balearic waters.

The minister concludes the letter by requesting a formal meeting with Marlaska "to establish effective, humane, and structural solutions," as well as to strengthen institutional loyalty in a challenge that affects all administrations.