Riot police fire rubber bullets at crowd as Mallorca anti-tourism protest descends into chaos
Anti-tourism protesters clashed with police in ugly scenes in Mallorca's capital.
Listen to this article
Police with riot shields used batons and rubber bullets to disperse a massive protest of around 25,000 people who had gathered in Palma.
Under the banner 'Mallorca on the Edge,' protesters gathered angry at what they say is a 'dangerous' influx of tourists to the island.
The Less Tourism, More Life organisation, which was behind Sunday’s demonstration said: “With all limits broken and the island converted into a theme park for tourists, we are going to see our already collapsed services put to the service of visitors."
Read more: Wildfire now nine miles from Bordeaux - as mayor bracing for 'all eventualities'
Read more: Armed police to patrol UK’s biggest Pride festival after fatal attack at Berlin Pride
An official demonstration began with the reading of a manifesto and then live musical performances, however protesters were blocked by a police cordon near Palma's Parc de la Mar.
Bottles were thrown at riot police who responded by firing rubber bullets then mounting a baton charge, according to local newspaper La Ultimata Hora.
Police were accused of being too heavy handed and the response was described as "completely disproportionate".
Alfonso Rodríguez, the Spanish government delegate in Mallorca, said: “I will request a comprehensive report of the actions taken and the necessary explanations, so that any responsibilities can be assumed."
The Balearic regional government has said it had taken measures to contain visitor arrivals, including zero growth in hotel capacity and limits on rental apartments for tourists in residential buildings.
Seven people were injured in the clashes, two seriously, and ambulances rushed to the scene.
Videos from the demonstration show one protester being hit with a baton, before another jumps at a police officer and violence breaks out.
Demonstrators held signs emblazoned with slogans including “tourists go home”, “tourism = destruction”, “save Majorca” and “less tourism, more life”.
Police fired rubber bullets to control the crowd.
Earlier this month thousands of anti-tourism campaigners linked arms to block access to the Playa Es Trenc beauty spot.
The Less Tourism, More Life group is being looked into by local police after they issued advice online to block Airbnb key boxes with glue and vandalise companies linked to tourism.