Council of Majorca President, Maria Antonia Munar, returns to “the Majorcan way” of government

IT has indeed been the week when head of the Council of Majorca, Maria Antonia Munar, has made a comeback after a major operation, but it hasn't been that of the grand dame who celebrated her fiftieth birthday in style some months ago, but rather a different Munar altogether. After a year that has seen more than its fair share of political hot potatoes, notably the “Calvia case” in which one of her Union Mallorquina councillors threatened to break the coalition with the ruling Partido Popular on the council. After three months of debate the row was defused but it certainly caused a major political sensation. Munar, it would appear, has returned to the political stage playing a role which promotes herself as a supporter of all things Majorcan, a portrait very much in keeping with the party agenda she adopted when first appointed leader of the Council of Majorca. And what exactly is “Majorcan policy?” It doesn't emerge clearly in debate, but it can best be described as a return to “a quiet way of conducting affairs of government without resorting to pulling rank or attacking the policies of other parties....” Munar has refocussed her way of viewing the world after she underwent a serious operation: “After having been through such a difficult time, you realise that the most important thing is simply being alive and everything else is thrown into perspective,” she said. Her statement has been made not only in public but is also reflected in her professional life. The president of the Council of Majorca has put to one side at least for this week - the warrior attitude which has been so typical of her political conduct in the past. She has adopted another style, less confrontational, more “Majorcan”. Time will tell whether this about-turn will have a lasting effect but it is of great importance, because whichever approach Munar decides to use, it will have far-reaching effects on politics.