Miquel Nadal: "The PP can feel singled out, even though it has worked to curb over-massification"

PalmaThe mayor of Sóller, Miquel Nadal (Sóller, 1961), reflects on mass tourism. After the August 8th demonstration, in which thousands of people said 'no' to the touristification of the municipality, admits that "Sóller has reached its limit".

What do you think about the debate on tourism in Sóller?

— I am 65 years old. I was born in the Nadal neighborhood, here in Plaça de la Constitució. I have lived, in large part, the boom in tourism, and also the beginnings of tourism: the transition from an agrarian or semi-agrarian society to this model. The seasons, which used to be six months long, are now nine: before it was sun and beach, and now it is also hiking and cycling. My opinion is that, with tourism, we grew economically, socially, and culturally. At that time, people came, above all, by bus, and there wasn't so much overcrowding. One of the problems we face now is that everyone comes by car, and it affects mobility. There is an excess of tourism, but it is also our main source of income. We must be aware, in the town, that we have to seek a balance. The Government has taken many measures, and I have a lot of hope that the limitation of vehicles in Mallorca, which is now being processed in Parliament, will be approved.

When did you start noticing discontent among the neighbors?

— I entered politics at 58 years old, and at that moment you become more aware of things. This disgust is not as recent as it seems, even though it may be a bit politicized. However, I would like to make it clear that I am not criticizing the demonstration, on the contrary: I think people have the right to protest, and from the Government and the city council we are working on it.

What do you mean when you say it can be politicized?

— The PP can feel singled out when it has done work. After the demonstrations in Palma and Sóller, we see that now, curiously, there is more tension: but the problem is not from three years ago, and in the eight previous years the left governed. MÉS per Mallorca has requested a reduction in tourist places, when 115,000 were created with the Pact. For Sóller, reducing vehicle entry will be very important, and will allow for improved coexistence.

The neighbours also complain about the lack of housing.

— It is one of the main complaints, because there is little for the people of Sóller. Prices are so high that only people from other countries can afford it. The Councilor for Tourism and Social Services, Llum Castañer, is working with the Balearic Housing Institute (Ibavi) on this matter. The rehabilitation project of the old Hospici has been approved, and a similar operation will also be carried out with the old Fantasio cinema and the old Ses Marjades school. In total, this will make 32 rental homes available to the people of Sóller. We had initially planned to claim 20 years of uninterrupted residence in Sóller, but we have finally settled for 18 uninterrupted years. They will be made available at limited prices, around 500 euros per month. It does not solve the whole problem, we have to continue working on it.

Do you think this summer's demonstrations could wear down the Government?

— We are in permanent contact with the Government and the island councils. Everyone must be able to demonstrate. In Sóller, a large operation was carried out, because the streets are narrow, and after the protest in Palma, security was sought. In terms of tourism, here, we have reached the limit.

The eclipse was a trial by fire in Sóller.

— There were many visitors and the people of Sóller. A large deployment was made with the Government, the General Directorate of Emergencies and the Local Police. The curious thing is that it was announced that at 3 p.m. roads would be closed, and this caused people to already be there the previous evening, and the same morning, already positioned themselves so as not to miss any details. It's normal, it's a unique event, a total eclipse, that we will not see again in our lives. Personally, I followed it on IB3.