The Calvia council, which includes the popular resorts of Palmanova, Magalluf, Santa Ponsa and Illetas, slammed the government´s "failed immigration policy" saying that arrivals by "small boats" had risen by 77 percent so far this year compared to 2024. The council wants central government to take action at once.
The Calvia council said that a "small boat" was arriving in Balearic waters every two hours at the moment and so far this year more than 4,300 people had arrived in the islands illegally from North Africa. "We demand action from central government and we call for the resignation of the Government Delegate in the Balearics, Alfonso Rodriguez (who is a former Mayor of Calvia)," said a council spokesperson.
"The route between the Balearics and Algeria, used by the majority of illegal immigrants who arrive in the islands, is considered to be one of the most dangerous in Europe," said the council.
"We have never seen a situation like this in the Balearics. The problem is getting more serious every year. The Council of Mallorca has demanded help from central government and even the European Union to protect local borders."
The ruling council will raise the issue at a meeting today with illegal immigration rapidly becoming a big problem for the islands.