Hundreds of Germans who have second homes in Majorca have written to President Francina Armengol demanding to be allowed to return to the island.
Real Estate Agents, owners of villas, estates and apartments in Majorca have also criticised the harsh coronavirus measures introduced by the Spanish Government to eradicate the disease, claiming that not being allowed to return to Majorca “even after the State of Emergency is lifted is a violation of property law,” and that, ”irreparable damage is being done to the Balearic Islands, at the same time that it generates legal insecurity for potential investors."
One investor said it was ridiculous to be so strict about Covid-19.
“I thought I could find a safe environment for long-term investments in Majorca, however, as a result of the State of Emergency, I have had considerable doubts about the rule of law in Spain and its autonomous regions,” they said. "Significant cuts have been made in the freedom of citizens and that measure is completely exaggerated because in Germany the same results have been achieved in the fight against the pandemic without taking such drastic measures against the population.”
All the signatories of the letters insist that they are property owners, not just visitors to the island.
“We are not tourists, we are taxpayers who pay municipal taxes and who contribute to the Island’s economy."
They also emphasised that tourists can undoubtedly be dispensed with for a year "because they will return, but investors will not.”
Government
President Francina Armengol will respond to all letters that come to her, thank them for their appreciation of the Balearic Islands, specifically Majorca, and place special emphasis on highlighting the close relations that exist with Germany.
She will also explain the reasons for the health measures that have been adopted and that the State of Emergency is declared by the State.
On Monday the Government point out that residents of the Balearic Islands are absolutely prohibited from travelling to second homes in Majorca or the rest of the islands, "so the measure is for everyone and you cannot distinguish between nationalities."
To avoid problems the aim is to establish a Health Passport for use throughout the European Union.
"If the Central Government does not want to reinforce health checks at airports, the Balearic Government will assume the costs that may arise because the most important thing is the health security of the citizens of the Balearic Islands,” said a Government spokesperson.
13 comments
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I have residencia in Majorca and it is my main home.. I spend a few months a year in the winter on mainland Spain, here in a campsite in the area of Murcia. I was informed that we couldn’t travel out of the Murcia area because of lockdown. I need to get back to Majorca by car and on the ferry from Denia. However this would mean I need to pass into the Valencia area to do this. Can I travel between these two areas ?
I think we are entering the period of "You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time"I am just glad I am not in hospital in ICU. Long may it last.
@Mark Badoer , I agree with part of your comment. I also believe the lock down in Spain is too strict, as other countries with less draconian measure have done just well if not better, but even those countries have stopped foreign and even internal travel to 2nd homes (UK government currently considering this as well). Some of the measures in Spain is almost irrational , why a couple who share a home cannot travel in a same car? I really could not see any logic , or why people could not go out for a walk providing they observe physical distancing ? After all the same people go into a small supermarket and probably are closer to each other than the 2 meters. Plus many medical expert now believe that the stress of keeping people in is a contributory factor to lower immune system and being more susceptible to any ailment.
Is there anyway of obtaining these investors contact details as I would be happy to purchase their properties at, say, 50p in the £ is they want to move some risk my way?Investors ALWAYS return!
These people are arrogant and stupid, do they not realise Spain has one of the highest death rates from this virus. Why should airport and airline staff risk their lives just so these people can visit their holiday homes. Why should the people of Mallorca risk an escalation of the outbreak, it’s madness. I have a holiday home and have accepted that it will not be possible to return to Mallorca until it is safe for all concerned.
These people are arrogant fools. They obviously care nothing for the safety of locals or the safety of airline and airport staff. We have a home in Mallorca but realise that the safety of everyone must be considered before tourists return to Mallorca.
I doubt that the government’s response will satisfy the inherent German belief that in europe they must be allowed to do absolutely anything they want, when they want and how they want.
When Germany has zero cases, let them return. They are obviously come from areas with a high chance of infection and are trying to escape. Problem is, if they got infected in the few days before they come
What a load of idiots!
The residents of Majorca deserve great plaudits for their steadfast actions during this lockdown. These "investors" however reek of self interest and arrogance.