Sánchez to Abolish Daylight Saving Time — Mallorca Would Live Differently

End of the time change? Sánchez puts the EU on thin ice

In Madrid the discussion is happening again, and yes: This affects us here on Mallorca. Prime Minister Sánchez wants to propose to the EU to abolish the biannual time change – ideally the new rule should take effect in 2026, provided all member states agree. It sounds like bureaucracy, but it is daily life: schools, bakeries and port workers would feel the consequences.

What would change concretely?

There are two simple variants, and each has a clear winner and loser. If summer time remains permanent (UTC+2), many mornings on Mallorca would start in the dark. In Palma, the sun might rise only around 8 a.m. in the depth of winter. Start of school at 8 a.m.? For some children that means getting up and going into the night. But the evenings would stay bright for longer – ideal for terraces on the Passeig Mallorca or for evening markets in Pollença.

If instead standard time (UTC+1) is kept, the days would start brighter: in winter the sun would rise closer to 7 a.m. That would ease mornings for commuters and families. But the summer evenings would be shorter – sunsets at 8:30 p.m. instead of the usual 9:30 p.m. For restaurants with outdoor seating, beach bars and tour operators, it would be noticeable.

Split: Health versus Economy

Chronobiologists on the mainland say quite clearly: for the human biorhythm, standard time fits better. Better sleep, less morning stress – that's the simple calculation. Business people and tourism providers think differently. More light in the evening means more customers, longer terrace hours and more often full tables late into the night.

A survey shows that many Spaniards lean toward daylight saving time – the feeling of longer days is strong. But there is also uncertainty: some like the idea of having light earlier in the morning, others simply enjoy the long evenings in summer.

How Mallorca feels the decision

Imagine a January morning at the Sóller harbour: fishermen sorting nets, clocks striking 7:30, but it is still dark – a switch to daylight saving time would push this moment into even deeper darkness. On the other hand: the promenade in Cala Millor fills up on a mild October evening only after 6 p.m., because the sun stays longer. This is not only coziness; these are revenues.

The debate is thus not only academic. Authorities, schools and businesses have to plan. And us here on the island? We discuss at the cafe in front of the bakery whether we value the longer evenings more than a brighter morning.

In short: The clock may stay the same – but we cannot decide alone, and that makes the difference for Mallorca.