25/04/2004 00:00
TW
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Staff Reporter MARIA Antonia Munar, president of the Council of Majorca, yesterday called for “full development of the Constitution and (Balearic autonomy) statutes” as well as “full transfer of all responsibilities to regional governments and parliaments.” She was speaking on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Council of Majorca. The bulk of her speech centred on legal reforms, but prior to that, medals were presented to the 107 people who have formed part of the Council over the past 25 years.


Munar summarised the history of the Majorcan governing bodies, ranging from the Conquest in 1230 to the Transition, which led to the founding of the Council as it now stands on April 24, 1979.

She said that the main challenge facing the Council today was achieving the full development of the statutes, introducing changes, where necessary.
Putting the emphasis on regional government, she said responsibility for justice or the possibility of a regional police force would help strengthen home rule.

She also wanted the region to have more say in controlling immigration, and managing the ports and airports which she described as “fundamental instruments” holding the key to development.

Balearic leader Jaume Matas also made a speech, underlining the importance of some of the objectives of Majorcan society in the future, such as “recognition of insularity” in the European Constitution.

This would make the islands more competitive and he called for all the political parties to join forces to achieve this.
Members of the opposition slammed Munar's speech as “cynical” and “removed from reality.” The spokeswoman for the United Left-Greens said it was “cynical” because although Munar asked for public participation, the public was not allowed to attend plenary sessions and the time granted to the opposition had been limited.