The housing situation in Mallorca has long been in crisis, with tourists often being blamed for overcrowding. But in the island's town of Santa Margarida, Mayor Joan Monjou links the issue to squatting. Santa Margarida has a population of about 13,750, of which 8,700 live in the resorts of Can Picafort. There are also around 1,500 squatters, according to Mayor Joan Monjo.
Monjo told Daily Britain in Mallorca that squatters have had issues over the years but it has gotten worse. He believes tourism is demonized when in fact there are squatters and about 250 property in which the family lives.
The mayor believes tourism is the main driver of the Balearic economy and criticised politicians for not taking appropriate action to address the difficulties in accessing housing.
“There are 17,000 hotel locations in Santa Margarida. The hotel pays taxes and creates jobs. But there are 1,500 social tourists who have no paying anything and cause many problems.”
Some squats are located in bank-owned facilities that have been left unfinished due to the financial crisis. Since 2010, very few homes have been built.
Monjo expressed his fear of people's safety.
He said: “There are between 10 and 12 people living in each apartment without guarantees of minimal health and safety.” The city hall is blocking access to the property, but the mayor said it will soon be reoccupied.
The mayor said some of the squatters are immigrants who work as street vendors on the beach. Some children and workers don't want to pay rent. He claimed that many squatters were committing crimes in Santa Margarida.
