This week’s headlines span politics, the economy, and the environment. A parliamentary standoff between coalition partners PP and Vox led to the failure of the 2025 Budget, while unemployment in Palma hit a decade low. In the environment, a forest fire scorched 70 hectares in Andratx, and Mallorca saw its first snowfall in the Tramuntana. Meanwhile, the government expanded its flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign as winter sets in.
Political Deadlock in the Balearics: 2025 Budget Fails
The Balearic Islands’ government faces a parliamentary crisis after a breakdown between coalition partners PP and far-right Vox derailed the 2025 budget. President Marga Prohens (PP) withdrew her draft budget on Tuesday, signaling the administration will begin 2025 operating under extended 2024 accounts. The impasse arose from Vox’s demand to eliminate Catalan as lingua franca in public schools, a stance Prohens rejected. Despite pressure from mayors from her own party, Prohens has ruled out snap elections, opting instead to seek support from left-wing opposition MPs to present a revised budget after the holiday recess.
Employment Milestone: Lowest Jobless Figures in a Decade
November saw unemployment in Palma fall to a decade low, with 13,911 registered jobless—a 5.52% drop year-on-year. Although unemployment rose slightly (3.21%) from October, sectors like construction showed significant gains, cutting joblessness by 6.10%. Meanwhile, 6,507 permanent contracts were signed, marking an 18.67% decline from October’s temporary contracts and an 11.61% drop year-on-year.
Flu and COVID Vaccination Campaign Expands
To boost immunity against influenza and COVID-19 during winter, the Balearic government launched a walk-in vaccination drive targeting those over 60, children aged 6–59 months, and high-risk groups. Seven centers across Mallorca are participating, including the health centers CS Escola Graduada and CS Escorxador in Palna, offering extended weekday and weekend hours (Monday to Friday: 14:00 to 19:30, Saturdays: 9:30 to 18:30)
Snow Arrives Early in Mallorca’s Tramuntana
Mallorca experienced its first snowfall of the season Tuesday night on Puig Major. Following an orange alert for winds exceeding 100 km/h, temperatures plummeted to 0.5°C in Son Torrella. AEMET forecasts milder weather from Thursday, with lows of 9°C and highs of 17°C.
Andratx Fire Ravages 70 Hectares
A forest fire broke out late Saturday near the Ma-10 in Andratx, scorching 70 hectares of woodland between Camí de Ses Comes and Camí de Ses Penyes. Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts, but the blaze was contained by Monday evening thanks to 35 firefighters, three fire engines, and a helicopter. SEPRONA is investigating human negligence as the likely cause after ruling out lightning.
Text by Sebastian Cerutti
