Jaime Martínez: Three Years as Palma’s Mayor
What the Polls Say
Jaime Martínez from the Partido Popular has been leading Palma for three years. A recent opinion poll by the Balearic Institute of Social Studies shows that if the trend continues, he could win another four years in office. The poll predicts the PP gaining one council seat, bringing their total to 12 out of 29, while the PSOE would lose a seat, dropping to seven. Vox is expected to gain one seat, moving from six to seven, leaving the remaining three seats to smaller parties like Més.
Who Might Run Against Him in 2027?
If the current projections hold, the 2027 municipal election could feature two former Balearic tourism ministers facing off:
- Blue corner: Jaime Martínez (PP)
- Red corner: Iago Negueruela (PSOE)
The right‑and‑far‑right bloc would keep a majority in the council. Martínez says he wants a strong enough majority so the PP can govern without needing daily support from other parties. He believes the current arrangement—PP minority with external backing—has worked well and sees no need to change it.
Vox’s Role and the 2027 Budget
Vox could become a key player, especially when it comes to the 2027 budget. Martínez warns that blocking the budget would stall ongoing investments and projects, such as:
- A new community centre
- Competitions for “transformative project ideas” (including the GESA Building)
- The redevelopment of Plaça Major, set to start in 2027
He argues that approving the budget is essential to keep these plans moving forward.
Tackling the Housing Crisis
The housing shortage has dominated Martínez’s three years in office. He acknowledges that building affordable housing quickly is tough, but several steps are already underway:
- Housing emergency plan: 1,200 rental units at capped prices; 167 have been allocated, with about 900 more to be released soon.
- Conversion of commercial spaces: A steady trickle of homes is being created by turning empty shops into residences.
- Eight strategic residential projects: Together they could add almost 10,000 homes, half of them publicly subsidised. The goal is to get them on the market as fast as possible.
- Neighbourhood regeneration: Areas like Son Gotleu, Verge de Lluc, Camp Redó, Son Roca, and parts of Playa de Palma are slated for revitalisation, using public investment, state housing funds, and European money.
- Old prison project: After removing squatters, the site is being prepared for a housing tender. Martínez says the previous left‑wing administrations ignored the problem for ten years, while his team has restored normality.
Housing, People, and Transport
More homes mean more residents, which brings greater demand for services—especially transport. Martínez highlights ongoing metro projects that will link:
- Plaça Espanya → Son Ferriol → Son Llàtzer → Airport → Playa de Palma → Llucmajor
- A line connecting to Son Espases Hospital
He points out that Palma gains over 5,000 new registered residents each year. Rather than seeing housing as the cause of traffic or service strain, he argues that the influx of people creates the need, and providing homes is part of the solution, not the problem.
Looking Ahead
Martínez’s strategy focuses on:
- Securing a stable PP majority to avoid constant negotiations.
- Keeping key investments and projects funded through the 2027 budget.
- Accelerating affordable housing delivery while upgrading neighbourhoods and transport links.
If these plans succeed, Palma could see more homes, better transit, and a calmer political landscape—though the upcoming election will test whether voters agree with his direction.
Conclusion
Jaime Martínez has spent three years navigating a growing city, a housing shortage, and a fragmented council. Polls suggest he may stay in office for another term, but he will need to win over voters, manage potential Vox influence, and deliver on housing and transport promises. The next few years will show whether his “steady trickle” approach can turn into a real solution for Palma’s residents.
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