The Govern de les Illes Balears has asked the Spanish Government Delegation to strengthen security measures in Palma ahead of a demonstration announced for Friday 30 October at 19:30 in plaça d’Espanya. The regional government has expressed concern about possible violent incidents and has linked the demonstration to organisations it describes as radical groups associated with the Blocus movement.
Palma protest on 30 October

Plaça d’Espanya in Palma, where the protest is scheduled for Friday 30 October. The Intermodal station, one of the locations where the Govern has requested increased security, is also situated here. Photo: TIB.

The second vice-president and consellera de Presidència, Coordinació de l’Acció de Govern i Cooperació Local, Antònia Maria Estarellas, made the request in a letter to the Spanish Government’s delegate in the Balearic Islands. She called for additional police officers, preventive measures and effective coordination between the different security forces.

The request follows recent incidents in Barcelona and other European cities, which the Govern has cited to justify the need for stronger preventive measures. The regional government refers to vandalism targeting commercial premises, injured police officers and numerous arrests, although it has provided no evidence that similar incidents will occur in Palma.

More officers and coordination between police forces

In her letter, Estarellas calls for security operations to be adequately staffed, with any reinforcements necessary to protect the public and ensure a rapid response to possible disturbances.

She also calls for increased police investigation, information-gathering and intelligence work to identify potential sources of unrest and anticipate possible acts of violence.

Another key point is coordination with local police forces, particularly Palma’s, where the demonstration is scheduled to take place. The Govern considers it necessary to extend this cooperation to other municipalities in Mallorca if there are indications of possible gatherings or incidents.

Particular attention to Palma’s Intermodal station

The second vice-president has also requested increased surveillance of strategic transport infrastructure, with particular attention to Palma’s Intermodal station, located next to plaça d’Espanya.

According to figures provided by the Govern, the station handles an average of 45,000 users a day, equivalent to approximately 16.5 million passengers a year.

Estarellas considers it a priority to ensure the safety of public transport users and to make sure officers have the resources needed to respond quickly and proportionately if incidents occur.

Demonstration announced for Friday 30 October

The demonstration announced for Friday 30 October is scheduled to take place at 19:30 in plaça d’Espanya in Palma. The National Police are investigating the authenticity of the announcement and preparing a security operation in case disturbances occur.

Meanwhile, the organisers, who identify themselves as members of the Gen Z movement, have defended the peaceful nature of the protest and rejected violence.

Concern about the demonstration has also reached the retail sector. The employers’ association AFEDECO has requested police protection and recommended that businesses near plaça d’Espanya consider voluntarily closing early, at 18:30.

The Govern has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the Spanish Government Delegation within its areas of responsibility and has stressed the importance of preventive action to ensure public safety.