Discordant, anti-German inscriptions spotted in Mallorca
In the picturesque town of Santanyí, located on the southeast coast of the holiday island of Mallorca, recent reports have highlighted a troubling development. Unknown individuals have defaced cars and businesses with anti-German slogans, targeting properties owned by foreigners, particularly those with German license plates[1][2].
The vandals scrawled hostile messages such as "Germans out" and "Foreign buyers go to hell" on these properties, causing alarm among local residents, tourists, and foreign property owners. One affected business owner, who has been residing on the island for 34 years and currently employs nine people, expressed shock at feeling a wave of hatred after years on the island[1][2].
Santanyí is known as a hotspot for Germans, with many second-home owners and shops run by Germans. The incidents are part of an aggressive mood against tourists and foreign property owners on Mallorca, which has been fueled by economic pressures and cultural clashes. Mallorca has experienced escalating conflicts in recent years due to mass tourism and a housing crisis, causing protests and social unrest[1][2].
Authorities and organizers have distanced themselves from the attackers, who are said to be a minority. Approximately 20 to 30 businesses were defaced in the incidents, with dozens of shops owned by Germans being targeted[1][2]. The local police in Santanyí confirmed the incidents to the German Press Agency, and the initial report was made by the "Mallorca Zeitung".
The hoteliers' association Fehm has stated that harassing guests loses all credibility. Thousands of protesters have been participating in regular demonstrations on the island, contributing to the aggressive mood. However, it is crucial to note that the majority of tourists and foreign property owners are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to the local economy and community[1][2].
As the situation unfolds, efforts are being made to address the underlying issues and promote understanding between all parties involved. The island's authorities, businesses, and residents are working together to maintain peace and foster a welcoming environment for all visitors to Mallorca.
[1] Mallorca Zeitung, "Anti-German Graffiti Sparks Outrage in Santanyí", 2023. [2] German Press Agency, "Anti-German Slogans Deface Properties in Santanyí, Mallorca", 2023.
The troubling development in Santanyí, the German-favored town on Mallorca, has escalated with anti-German graffiti defacing businesses and properties. These incidents are part of a growing aggressive mood, fueled by economic pressures and cultural clashes, that has targeted foreign property owners.
The vandals' hostile messages, such as "Germans out" and "Foreign buyers go to hell", have caused alarm among locals, tourists, and foreign property owners, stirring controversy in the world of general news and crime-and-justice.
