The Balearic Government has initiated excavation, exhumation, and identification of human remains in two mass graves located in the Son Servera cemetery (Mallorca), one situated in a flowerbed and another in the niche area, within the framework of the V Plan de Fosas of the Balearic Islands 2025-2026. The objective of the intervention is to locate the mass graves, recover the remains of the buried individuals, and advance their identification.

The Government of the Balearic Islands has started sessions with the pediatric exoskeleton, which are taking place at the Early Intervention and Assessment Service (SVAP). So far, it has been carried out with six children aged 4, 5, 8, and 11 years old. Three more, aged 7 and 9 years old, have joined them this week and others who are currently being assessed will be added. Each boy or girl will initially undergo 24 one-hour sessions with a frequency of two per week.

The Government presented this Monday the Balearic Agency for Digitalization, Cybersecurity and Telecommunications, IB Digital, the autonomous body that will lead the digital transformation of the regional administration and place the Balearic Islands at "the technological forefront". The president of the regional executive, Marga Prohens, presided over the presentation event, at which she stressed that the creation of IB Digital represents "a decisive step towards building a 21st-century administration, more agile, more efficient, and citizen-centered". "It is the biggest technological revolution in the regional administration in the last 25 years", she remarked.

The Balearic Government maintains its tug-of-war with the State over the distribution of migrant minors and already warns that it will return to the courts if the Spanish government approves a new decree to extend the current system. This was announced this Friday by the Executive's spokesperson, Antoni Costa, after the Governing Council, in a press conference marked by the firmness of his speech.

In the Balearic Islands, the coastal space not only constitutes an environmental heritage of the highest order, but is also a structural pillar of the Archipelago's economy and identity. Coastal ecosystems —beaches, dunes, salt flats, lagoons, cliffs, and posidonia meadows— function as interconnected and inseparable habitats, part of a harmonious whole. Their preservation is key to the good health of marine and terrestrial biodiversity and, moreover, represents a factor of excellence in the tourism model.From this point of view, the tendency to privatize or regulate in favor of commercial interests, as is the case with the new coastal law that the Government of the Balearic Islands intends, represents a direct threat to these strategic values. Continuing to bet on a coastline as a space for private exploitation implies displacing public interest and degrading the most valuable resource that sustains the Balearic economy: its natural environment. The coast should not be understood as a marketable good, but as a common, vital, and organic asset for citizens and also for visitors. In this order, brazenly, not the other way around. The Balearic Islands are a country and, incidentally, a tourist destination, we cannot fail to take this into account.The Government, with the new regulation, intends to save irregular buildings and economic activities within the public maritime-terrestrial domain. Bars, restaurants, and beach bars, which do not comply with the state coastal law, are intended to be included in the register of constructions that the autonomous regulation considers of “cultural interest”. An exceptionally justifiable point, only in cases of irrefutable heritage and ethnographic value, always for public and community use.By favoring concessions and lucrative uses in the public maritime-terrestrial domain, territorial cohesion is weakened and citizen trust in institutions is eroded. Preserving the coastline is not an economic obstacle, but an essential condition for maintaining the productive and social fabric of the Islands. Right now, safeguarding these systems is essential to curb erosion, mitigate the action of storms, and, ultimately, globally help to mitigate the effects of climate change. In a sea as threatened and stressed as the Balearic Sea, strengthening coastal protection and marine reserve figures is a necessary condition to curb biodiversity loss and maintain ecological balance in the long term.On the other hand, the new Balearic coastal law constitutes an evident act of institutional disloyalty, by prioritizing sectoral and private interests over the principles of environmental protection and common use of public space. The purpose of the transfer of powers from the State to the community that took place at the time was to promote homogeneous environmental policies (the community is competent in environmental matters), seek efficiency through proximity to the territory, and boost preservation. The defense of kiosks (and other buildings) located in the public maritime-terrestrial domain not only violates the original constitutional philosophy, on which the law should be based, but also opens the door to a covert privatization of coastal space.Engage in clientelism

All of this, from an institutional perspective, leads one to think that the current Government of the Balearic Islands cannot be trusted. Its behavior is far from exemplary: through a fabricated stratagem known as “local identity”, the Government takes advantage of the transfer of new powers to consolidate illegal activities and engage in clientelism. This perverse drift erodes trust and collaboration between administrations, weakens the sovereign authority of our country, and jeopardizes the legal balance between the general interest and private privileges. In an archipelago particularly vulnerable to climate change and tourist pressure, promoting exceptions that perpetuate coastal occupation is a grave error that compromises our credibility as an adult and modern society.Allow me to explore the poetic path in the face of the stubbornness of the eternally stubborn. I know I will neither soften them nor make them change; however, I believe in lyricism as a drop capable of piercing clay. I am drawn to the beauty of Sylvain Tesson's words in "La vida simple", when he sings of the vital need he feels to change his relationship with nature: “I want to put down roots, to become part of the earth after having been part of the wind”. To stop eroding, to abandon the habit of flying over places, at the rhythm of digital messages without music, and to curse the capital's slot machines, perhaps this will help us to be a little freer and richer. So free as to observe the vote in future elections, from a perspective more respectful of the country's sovereignty, collective well-being, and not with our heads bowed before the market.Possibly, the Government plays with the idyllic image of jetties where boats were kept, forming part of a unique landscape, and attractive piers, which have acquired public use because the former concessionaires have stopped paying. But, this is not the issue, the catalog of impacts is much broader; a lot of concrete and activities not permitted in expired concessions. Not much more can be expected. The Executive has long since aligned itself with radicals who traffic in people's dreams to feed the greed of merchants. They can be fought.

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The mayor of Manacor, Miquel Oliver; the delegate for Education of the City Council, Ferran Montero, and the municipal technician for Education met this Monday afternoon with the Minister of Education, Antoni Vera, to request explanations about the implementation of the single school zone in the municipality.

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The mayor of Manacor, Miquel Oliver, the delegate for Education of the City Council, Ferran Montero, and the municipal technician for Education, met this Monday afternoon with the Minister of Education, Antoni Vera, to request explanations about the implementation of the single school zone in the municipality.

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The introductory Catalan courses for newcomers, organized by the Balearic Institute of Studies (IEB), have exceeded expectations with 98 registered participants and 50 on the waiting list. This was announced on Friday by the Director General of Culture, Llorenç Perelló, at a press conference, where he explained that the four courses offered, with 25 places each, have surpassed attendance expectations compared to previous years. Perelló indicated that this model of Catalan courses, which began in September 2015, was initially aimed at families, but this year has been opened to a wider audience. This new course, which began on March 9th and will run until June, is being held at the Casal de Asociaciones de Inmigrantes y ONGD (Community Center for Immigrant Associations and NGOs) and has a predominantly foreign student body, according to the director. The courses last 40 hours and are designed to provide students with basic Catalan language training. Sources at the IEB (Institute of Catalan Studies) also indicate that the intention is for these courses, which are currently offered on an ad hoc basis, to become a "regular and structural" offering.

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The Prime Minister, Marga Prohens, has accused the Damm Group of deceiving the Administration and livestock farmers with the closure of the Agama factory in PalmaA leading figure in Mallorca's dairy industry. Furthermore, during the plenary session of the Balearic Islands Parliament, it was announced that the Government will revoke the declaration of regional interest which the multinational had requested and will demand the return ofa grant of more than one million euros"We will stand with the sector and support its initiatives to guarantee the continuity of the dairy industry," the president stressed.

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The Directorate General for Benefits, Pharmacy, and Consumer Affairs has intensified its inspections of Carnival products in establishments across the Canary Islands this year to ensure that items aimed at families comply with safety standards and contain the necessary information for their proper use. As a result of this work, inspection teams have ordered the withdrawal of 559 products from the market, including accessories, makeup, costumes, and wigs. Specifically, 284 accessories, 140 makeup items, 73 costumes, 20 wigs, and 42 miscellaneous items were withdrawn after it was confirmed that they did not meet the required standards for sale.

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Government spokesman Antoni Costa expressed his hope on Friday that next season will see "zero growth" in the number of tourists, especially in overnight stays, although the total number of visitors for the year may continue to grow.

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The Balearic Islands Government Council has approved the first regional regulation comprehensively governing taxi and ride-hailing services (VTCs) in the Balearic Islands, twelve years after the enactment of Law 4/2014 of June 20, on land transport and sustainable mobility in the Balearic Islands, which this decree implements. As explained by the Minister of Housing, Territory, and Mobility, José Luis Mateo, at the press conference following the Government Council meeting, no new licenses may be granted when traffic congestion levels or certain air quality thresholds are exceeded. He noted that temporary licenses may be granted exceptionally when justified by mobility needs and following a report. The regulation establishes, for the first time, uniform, objective, and updated criteria for granting or denying new licenses and authorizations, based on the level of traffic congestion and air quality levels, while also aiming to guarantee the mobility of residents and visitors to the Islands. These objective criteria, based on the general interest, will allow for the regulation of the number of taxi and ride-hailing licenses in the islands' limited and protected territory. The text aims to provide legal certainty, unify criteria, and equip the competent authorities with the tools to regulate the sector according to parameters of environmental sustainability, transport management, protection of natural areas, and the general interest. The Decree consists of 63 articles distributed across three titles—Title I, Common Provisions; Title II, Taxi Services; and Title III, Ride-hailing Services—five additional provisions, four transitional provisions, one repealing provision, and one final provision.

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Many readers have probably never heard of cultural rights. And upon hearing them mentioned, they might assume they pertain to those within the cultural sector, having nothing to do with them. As with concepts like heteropatriarchy or gentrification, it seems that cultural rights have only recently entered the public discourse and are perceived as affecting only a few very specific areas, when in reality they have a structural dimension and are already enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed in 1948, specifically regarding the cultural life of the community and the enjoyment of the arts. Even so, these rights are far from being guaranteed in the Balearic Islands.

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Friends of the Earth Mallorca, the local Nicaraguan association Adenoch, and Friends of the Earth Spain are carrying out a project this year to promote sustainable water management in the Chinandega watersheds of Nicaragua. The initiative, entitled "Community Strengthening and Sustainable Management in the Chinandega Watersheds," is being developed in coordination with public institutions and municipal governments, as highlighted by Friends of the Earth in a press release. Specifically, the project is being implemented in the Tecomapa and El Arenal-El Ubuto hydrographic units of the Río Negro sub-basin and benefits rural communities in the municipalities of Somotillo and San Francisco del Norte. The project is funded by the Government's Directorate General for Immigration and Development Cooperation and continues the work carried out since 2023 in the same area with projects to boost local capacities in the face of climate change and pressure on water resources. The initiative aims to strengthen community leadership and water governance, promoting the active participation of local leaders in decision-making regarding water use and conservation. The initiative will directly benefit 185 people, half of whom are women, from 13 rural communities. It will also promote sustainable agricultural practices such as biointensive gardens, the use of improved seeds, and silvopastoral systems.

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The Government of the Balearic Islands held today the second plenary meeting of the Commission for the Management of Actions Related to the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, created in December and formally established on January 15. During that month, the working groups on Mobility, Prevention, Civil Protection and Environmental Risk Management; Public Health; Communication and Tourism; and Scientific Outreach identified needs and potential problems and submitted proposals to the plenary session.

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The Manacor City Council on Tuesday criticized the Balearic Islands Government for taking almost four years to reject land ceded by the Council for the construction of a new health center. Mayor Miquel Oliver expressed the municipal government's "deep surprise and unease" at a decision that comes late and, he claims, contradicts the criteria and reports that had previously supported the project. The Government's rejection was communicated following an unfavorable report from the Directorate General of Water Resources, which concluded that the plot on Paseo del Ferrocarril – ceded in 2022 – is located in a preferential water flow zone, thus preventing the continuation of the process. However, the City Council points out that both the Ministry of Health and the Directorate General of Water Resources had previously issued favorable reports, in addition to the flood risk study included in the current General Plan.

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The Balearic government is finalizing new exceptions to the Catalan language requirement for certain technical civil service positions considered hard to fill, a measure that has already sparked strong union opposition. The Workers' Commissions (CCOO) of the Balearic Islands has responded to the announcement, warning that the initiative represents "a frontal and unjustified attack" on the Balearic language and the right of citizens to be served in Catalan.

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The political year kicks off on Tuesday in Parliament with a feeling of déjà-vuThe Catalan government left important tasks unfinished in 2025, but it finds itself in the same situation as when Marga Prohens came to power in 2023: Vox will once again be the key to passing any significant decision. The People's Party (PP) has started the year with the same talking points it used the day after the elections: it governs in minority and is willing to reach agreements with all parties. But the Vice President of the Government, Antoni Costa, has already made it clear that the natural partner for negotiating initiatives is the far right. And after the setback with the Democratic Memory Law—it had to be repealed, then not, and finally, yes—the left is not in a position to crutch any measure taken by the PP government.

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Algaida has named Francesc Antich Oliver an Illustrious Son of the municipality, the highest distinction awarded by the Algaida Town Council in recognition of an individual's career and connection to the town. The ceremony took place during an extraordinary plenary session held in the Porrassar multipurpose hall. More than 300 people attended, demonstrating the collective appreciation and recognition for Francesc Antich. Antich was mayor of Algaida from 1991 to 1997 and is a key figure in Balearic politics, who always proudly proclaimed his Algaida roots. Several political figures attended the event, including Francina Armengol, President of the Congress of Deputies, as well as several Secretaries of State: Aina Calvo, Arcadi España, and Rosario Sánchez. Also in attendance were the Balearic Islands Government Councillor, Jaume Bauzà Mayol; the President of IMAS, Guillermo Sánchez Cifre; the Government Delegate in the Balearic Islands, Alfonso Rodríguez; and the Commanding Colonel of the Civil Guard in the Balearic Islands, Alejandro Hernández Mosquera. Following speeches by the various municipal groups praising Francesc Antich, a secret ballot was held, culminating in the unanimous approval of his appointment as an Illustrious Son of Algaida.

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"In the Balearic Islands, we're burdened with an unbearable public deficit, regardless of who governs here or in Madrid," states Jordi Mora, president of the small and medium-sized businesses of Mallorca (PIMEM), bluntly. This statement encapsulates the frustration of being the second-largest contributor to the central government and receiving the least, second only to Madrid, and seeing that things won't change much with the new funding model. Despite business skepticism, Mora has also said recently that pessimism is a mistake because "this proposal provides more resources and will improve public services, and opens the door to bilateral negotiations. Therefore, the Balearic government can still improve it." But while the fine print of the central government's proposal is still pending, business leaders are quite clear that, even if Madrid distributes more millions, the balance between contributions and receipts will be against the interests of the islanders. "It's hard to imagine this changing in the short term. We'll continue paying far more than we receive," says Toni Garí, an industrial entrepreneur and member of the manufacturers' association Construïm. Business owners in the Balearic Islands have been warning for years that the regional financing system doesn't reflect the economic reality of an island territory. Now, with negotiations for a new model underway, the business sector is once again focusing on a problem they consider structural: the Balearic Islands contribute significantly to the central government, but don't receive enough resources to compensate for the additional costs of operating in a fragmented territory disconnected from the mainland.

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