The Government has asked the transport sector for “responsibility” after Monday’s strike, “which had not been officially called and which has not benefited anyone”, and has insisted that “supply is guaranteed” in the Balearic Islands.

According to Europa Press, the general director of Mobility and Land Transport, Jaume Mateu, lamented that the only thing that is achieved with this “is to give more problems than there are without offering an immediate solution”.

“We understand the difficulties of the sector and we are in permanent contact to work together and address these difficulties, which is why the Government’s reaction to the rise in fuel prices has been immediate,” he added.

At this point, he recalled that the president of the Balearic Executive, Francina Armengol, has requested a plan of measures to deal with the escalation of prices, since in the Balearic Islands the transport sector is “more strategic” because it depends on air transport and maritime to function. This plan has continued, although “it is not finalized”, it puts two options on the table, such as direct aid through subsidies or taxation of taxes, that is, a reduction in them.

“It is being valued by the central government, we do not have details of the actions, but these two options are the ones,” said the general director. For all these reasons, he has asked the population for “calm”, assuring that “there is no risk of shortages” in the archipelago and that the merchandise sectors “work”.

Carriers on the Paseo Marítimo de Palma. Photo: R.B.