New Debate Over Palma's Official Name: Return to Palma de Mallorca?

Dispute Over the Name: Politics Meets History

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In the early morning, around 9:15, in front of the town hall at Plaça de Cort, a few residents and two female journalists with coffee in hand stood today and wondered: another name debate already. The far-right populist party Vox wants to table a motion to change the official city name from Palma back to Palma de Mallorca. The topic is quick, loud, and for some surprisingly local.

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Why the fuss?

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Since 2017 the official name has simply been "Palma". Proponents of the reversal argue that "Palma de Mallorca" is more touristy-known and gives identity. Critics say: This is a political chess move, not a historical necessity. In cafés on Avinguda Jaume III I heard voices like: 'I don't care, as long as the garbage collection comes on time.' That sums it up: for many residents daily life is more important than name cosmetics.

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Experts React: Mixed Responses

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Historians and linguists I reached by phone mostly shake their heads. One who has studied Palma's city history for years said dryly: Palma is the original name; 'de Mallorca' was added politically later. A city chronist reminded that name changes rarely occur for purely factual reasons—often partisan symbolism is behind them.

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What would change?

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Administrative effort would be real: papers, signs, forms—some things would have to be reviewed. Not huge, say some city hall workers, but noticeable. A taxi driver in the Old Town laughed: Tourists often say 'Palma de Mallorca' anyway. They don't think about it that carefully.

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Mood in the city

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On the Rambla, in the afternoon, the reaction was not uniform. Older residents remember discussions from years ago; younger people are mostly indifferent. A female student said: If politics uses this to score points, I think that's bad. If it strengthens identity, okay – but I don't think so.

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How does it proceed?

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The proposal must be formally introduced to the city council and discussed. It is not certain whether it will find a majority. Observers expect protests and statements from cultural institutions. One thing is clear: more than a name is at stake in the debate – memory, politics, and everyday life in Palma.

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Conclusion: The discussion has been rekindled. Experts advise caution; many residents remain calm. Whether in the end 'Palma de Mallorca' returns or 'Palma' remains is open—and there is still time for the refinements at the town hall.