Fresh calls for graffiti crackdown in Palma

Graffiti in Palma. | Cilla Devoil

Humphrey CarterPalma02/12/2016 00:00

One of the issues to have become a major talking point this year has been graffiti in Palma. Apart from the anti-tourism slogans painted across the old town of the city which made global headlines and remained in place for weeks before the town hall got round to removing them, there is a growing movement pressurising the town hall to crack down on graffiti in general.

One of the main stumbling blocks is that the municipal services agency Emaya is not allowed to take action against graffiti on private buildings, such is the problem in Plaza Porta Santa Catalina near Es Baluard Museum or Contemporary and Modern Art.

The building is one of Palma’s cultural highlights, but certain buildings in the adjacent square have been allowed to fall into serious disrepair. Cilla Devoil, who provided the image, said that she has spoken to the Emaya crew who clean the area. "They can’t do anything as the properties are privately owned. As this is a tourist area and there are still cruise ships coming in, I do feel that this adversely affects their vision of Palma."