Residents protest in Son Bonet against planned solar park

Resistance in Son Bonet: \"No solar field on public land\"

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Early Saturday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., about 200 residents gathered in Son Bonet, directly at the small airport between Palma and Marratxí. Banners such as \"Urban forest instead of panels\" and hand-painted signs marked the scene. Many wore flip-flops, some had dogs, and there was the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from a stall on the corner.

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City plan against the operator's plans

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People on the ground refer to the municipal land-use plan, which designates the parcel in question as public space. Exactly here, according to the protesters, the airport operator wants to erect a solar plant. The mood was determined but not aggressive: speakers alternated with local councilors, and there was applause from time to time.

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\"We don't want an industrial park right in the middle of the city,\" said a resident who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. \"A Mediterranean urban forest would be much more useful for children, the elderly, and biodiversity.\" Such demands were at the center of the rally.

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Politics gets involved

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The mayor of Marratxí, Jaume Llompart, appeared briefly and stood demonstratively behind the gathering. He emphasized that all factions in the town council had committed, before the last elections, to preserving this area as public green space. This gives the protest movement prominent support – at least verbally.

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On the other side, supporters of solar installations usually argue with climate and energy-saving reasons. At the rally, practical concerns dominated: traffic volume, accessibility, and the loss of an open recreation space for the neighborhood.

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What happens next

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The residents demand a clear written pledge from the town hall: no re-zoning of the area. At the same time, they promised to keep up the pressure — with petitions, information booths, and further actions in the coming weeks. A formal permit procedure for the solar park, according to participants, has not yet been completed.

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Anyone walking through Son Bonet that afternoon heard voices seeking solutions, not confrontation: trees, shaded spots, a piece of city that can breathe. Whether this becomes a Mediterranean city forest or solar panels will likely be decided soon at negotiation tables, not on the meadow.

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Note: The figures are based on eyewitness reports of the rally on site; official statements from the airport were not yet available at the time of the gathering.