Palma's Old Prison: Who Stays, Who Leaves — and What the City Must Address Now

Palma's Old Prison: Who Stays, Who Leaves — and What the City Must Address Now

Key question

Who will protect the people who still live in Palma's old prison when the city applies for a court-ordered eviction next week?

Critical analysis

On May 12 the city of Palma reported that more than a hundred people had voluntarily left the former prison, while around 101 people still live there. The deadline for voluntary departure runs until Friday; after that the town hall plans to take legal action. Mayor Jaime Martínez pointed to massive safety and hygiene deficiencies as well as acute fire hazards. Those are strong words—and they explain why the city is increasing the pressure. But they do not answer the crucial question: What happens to those who remain or who suddenly find themselves on the street after a forced eviction?

What is missing in the public debate

The debate currently revolves around numbers and deadlines. Little is heard about concrete alternatives for those affected: Where should the remaining residents go? Could initiatives such as Palma's plan to convert vacant offices and shops into apartments provide alternatives? Are there enough places in emergency shelters, and will chronically ill or elderly people receive special care? Transparency is also lacking in the inventory: On what basis is the figure of 101 people founded — is it up to date or an estimate? Equally neglected is how the city could technically remedy the hygiene problems if an immediate evacuation is not possible.

An everyday scene from Palma

Early in the morning in front of the building you see the island's typical everyday life: delivery vans with building materials, a few neighbors carrying bags from the market, and the smell of freshly baked pa de pagès coming from a nearby bakery. Some residents look worried, others are annoyed by piles of rubbish along the wall. A municipal vehicle is parked there, workers in reflective vests speak quietly among themselves. Such images show: an eviction is not an abstract act — it changes streets, the neighborhood's sense of community and the daily routes of people.

Specific problems

From the limited facts some problems can be derived: First, a short-term forced eviction can drive homeless people into a precarious situation. Second, safety and hygiene deficiencies justify a rapid response — but without reliable alternative offers, social hardship may intensify. Third, legal proceedings are a matter of time; while lawsuits are pending, it often remains unclear who is responsible for food, medical help and accommodation.

Concrete solutions

The city administration should now pursue several steps in parallel: First, present an updated, verifiable inventory — including age structure, health needs and family ties. Second, immediately intensify contact with regional social services and established aid organizations to secure short-term places and medical care; as in the Son Banya before the eviction: Court confirms Palma as owner — and now? case, legal clarity does not automatically translate into practical solutions. Third, implement temporary safety measures at the building (fire protection, rubbish clearance, sanitary points) so that the danger is reduced until a transitional solution is found. Fourth, offer each affected person an individual moving-out and accommodation plan — this increases the chances of a voluntary departure and reduces long-term costs for the city and the social system. Finally, the administration should explain the legal route transparently: which steps are planned, what court dates are pending, and what support is available during the proceedings?

Why this matters for Palma

Such operations affect not only the people in the building but also the city's image and the neighborhood's trust in the administration. If an eviction is carried out without adequate social support, new problem areas emerge — as seen in other cities; incidents like Collapse at Palma's City Wall: What Needs to Happen Now show how physical damage and poor management can erode public trust. Well-managed transitions, on the other hand, can demonstrate that safety and social responsibility go hand in hand.

Pointed conclusion

The city is right to point out the acute danger — but safety must not be understood solely as a policing task. Those who push people out of a dilapidated building must at the same time offer concrete, controllable alternatives. Otherwise what remains is an empty façade and a growing social problem. Friday is the deadline. The clock is ticking not only for the administration but for every person still living there.