Jaime Martínez of the Partido Popular has been mayor of Palma for three years. With the city’s population growing by more than 5,000 registered residents a year, he argues that building more homes is part of the solution to the city’s pressures, not their cause.
The polls
A recent poll by the Balearic Institute of Social Studies suggests Martínez could win another term. It projects the PP gaining one seat to reach 12 of the council’s 29, the PSOE falling to seven, Vox rising to seven and the remaining seats going to smaller parties such as Més. On those figures, the right and far right would keep a majority.
Martínez says he wants a majority large enough for the PP to govern without depending on other parties day to day, although he believes the current arrangement — a PP minority government with outside support — has worked.
The 2027 budget
Vox’s support will be important for next year’s budget. Martínez warns that blocking it would hold up investments such as a new community centre, ideas competitions for major projects including the former GESA building, and the redevelopment of the Plaça Major, due to start in 2027.
Housing
Housing has dominated his term. He acknowledges that affordable homes cannot be built overnight, but points to several measures:
- A housing emergency plan with 1,200 rental homes at capped prices, of which 167 have been allocated and around 900 more are due soon.
- Converting empty shops into homes.
- Eight strategic residential developments that together could provide almost 10,000 homes, around half of them with public protection.
- Neighbourhood regeneration in Son Gotleu, Verge de Lluc, Camp Redó, Son Roca and parts of Playa de Palma, using municipal, state and European funds.
- The old prison site, which is being prepared for a housing tender after its occupants were removed.
Transport
More residents mean more demand for transport. Martínez highlights planned metro and rail links from Plaça d’Espanya towards Son Ferriol, Son Llàtzer, the airport, Playa de Palma and Llucmajor, as well as a line to Son Espases hospital.
The other side
The opposition argues that the city’s housing crisis has worsened during his term, that rents remain far out of reach for many residents, and that measures such as converting commercial premises add little real supply. With municipal elections due in May 2027 — when the PSOE is expected to field former tourism minister Iago Negueruela — housing is set to be the central issue of the campaign.
