Blue is the Colour

Blue is the colour! Well that was certainly the case last Sunday as the political party PP pretty much swept the board at the local elections. Was it a surprise? Probably not but the size of the victory I think yes. To take the Balearic Parliament, the Consell de Mallorca, Palma Town Hall, the majority of the island councils and the whole of Ibiza and Menorca was a damning indictment of the ruling PSOE and it’s coalition partners. 

But now the hard work starts as there will I’m sure need to be discussions in various places with the far right Vox party. Who too had a great night at the ballot boxes. How far right they are or become I think remains to be seen. 

I find it funny that two weeks before the elections, all the party’s are out during the wee small hours of the morning putting out their political posters or messages. Which are the rules by the way and each tries to get the best position on lampposts, roundabouts and anywhere else they can be seen. But you never see them rushing to bring them down do you? Let’s face it they’re a bit of an eyesore and not the greatest advert for a tourist island. Why don’t they fine them for not taking down they’re own publicity? 

I’m hoping that the incumbent people are more pro-tourism as I didn’t get that feeling with the last lot. Who seemed hell bent on damaging the number one industry on the island. Make it more sustainable I agree but that can be done much better than just saying we are too busy so let’s not market Mallorca anymore, crazy! I think the tourist tax will stay which once again I’m all for if spent in helping sustainable tourism. There were some very questionable projects where some of the money went during the last eight years. Let’s face it there are a lot more islands and countries bringing this tax in and therefore it’s becoming more and more accepted. 

I hear one of the first things the new regime will do is take away the 80kmh speed limit on the Via Cintura. A very loud cheer erupted when that news was released. I don’t know of anyone who thought this was a good idea. If you do then please feel free to drop me an email. In fact don’t just go into a dark room and have a long word with yourself. 

I interviewed the PP candidate for the Mayor of Calvia on the radio a week before the elections. Juan Antonio Amengual came across as a good man who has big plans for the region. A hotelier himself, he knows the tourist industry and it remains to be seen how he will be as a Mayor. I hope the 10 things that were part of their action plan come together.

Increase the number of local police officers. Create a drone unit for crime prevention.

Enable a public dry dock ramp service for recreational and sport boats and jet skis.

Real Estate Property Tax: To reduce by 10% the tax rate for all urban and rural properties.

Implement measures for a CALVIÀ WITHOUT OKUPAS. We will not charge the IBI to the owner while the house is occupied, we will exclude the “squatters” from access to municipal aid and social rent and we will develop a protocol, in collaboration with other administrations, to return the house to its owner in the shortest possible time.

Create CALVIÀ SPORTS CITY 365, with an integrated Olympic swimming pool.

To promote Calvià as a CULTURAL MUNICIPALITY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN, with a network of events with artists that cover the different cultural branches, becoming an international cultural reference.

Develop a Municipal Plan of tourist deseasonalization “CALVIÀ 365”

Develop parking areas in the different areas of the municipality with a shortage of parking spaces.

Promote volunteering among all citizens, especially among high school and university students, towards the elderly.

He of course will have to go into a coalition with Vox in order to govern so let’s see the outcome of those talks. 

I also hope that we will all be given the opportunity to vote next time. It was a disgrace that if we hadn’t registered our right to vote by the middle of January we weren’t allowed to vote this time. Juan Antonio promised me that will change before the next round of elections. 

I wish him well. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast show Monday to Friday 07.00-10am on 93.8fm in Mallorca and 102fm in Calvià, online at www.radioonemallorca.com on mobile through their free App for IPhone & Android, The Tunein Radio App, iTunes, the Spanish TDT TV service and all smart speakers. If you can’t hear him on the radio then you’ll find him working at Pirates Adventure the islands number one night out and every now and again he may make an understudy appearance! 

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com