In early October, the Council of Mallorca's social affairs institute (IMAS) sent letters to all town halls asking if they had facilities to house unaccompanied migrant minors. IMAS did so because of the increasing numbers of minors and the overcrowding in existing centres.
To date, only 22 of the 53 town halls have responded. They have either refused or requested more information about the conditions. The remaining 31, including Palma, have not yet replied to the letter.
The 22 to have responded are Alaro, Alcudia, Andratx, Arta, Capdepera, Costitx, Escorca, Estellencs, Felanitx, Llucmajor, Manacor, Mancor de la Vall, Maria de la Salut, Petra, Pollença, Sant Llorenç, Santa Eugenia, Santa Margalida, Santanyi, Sencelles, Ses Salines and Soller.
Town halls to have refused say they do not have suitable facilities or already house unaccompanied migrant minors in a municipal facility.
IMAS understands that some municipalities may not have adequate facilities, but it is critical of four town halls, all governed by the left (PSOE/Més), which have responded with exactly the same wording. The four are Arta, Manacor, Pollença and Santa Eugenia.
The institute feels these town halls are "hypocritical". "They have criticised us for having to open Son Tous (in Palma) as an emergency facility, when they themselves refuse to provide spaces and then respond with the same letter."