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The Administrative Simplification Bill, pending approval in Parliament for weeks, now faces the harsh reality of climate change, highlighted by the recent tragedies in Valencia. The GOB calls for a suspension of legalization processes in flood-prone areas.
While the bill’s approval is delayed, the Prohens Government’s emergency decree allows the legalization of illegal construction in areas prone to flooding.
Moreover, the Balearic Climate Council, required by law to meet twice a year, has not convened once this term.
Stop legalizing flood-prone construction
The GOB is urging all municipalities in the Balearic Islands to immediately halt all legalization requests for constructions in flood-prone zones. These include out-of-order constructions that pose significant risks.
A decree passed in May by the Prohens Government enables the legalization of such constructions, despite the risks posed by climate change and extreme weather events.
The GOB also demands a cautionary suspension of any applications currently under review or already approved until:
- Clear regulations from the Administrative Simplification Bill are enacted.
- Flood-prone areas and their boundaries are fully revised and officially updated.
In Palma, applications have already been submitted to legalize large single-family homes located in potential flood zones, as identified by the Balearic Islands Hydrological Plan.
Flood zone revisions must expand, not shrink
After Valencia’s recent catastrophe, the ruling People’s Party (PP) has expressed willingness to ban new constructions in flood-prone areas. However, they refuse to halt the legalization of already built structures—a stance that demonstrates a lack of commitment to addressing the climate emergency.
At the same time, the government is revising the boundaries of flood-prone zones. This raises concerns that the revision may reduce these areas’ scope in favor of private interests.
Scientific evidence shows that extreme rainfall events, such as those experienced in Valencia, are becoming increasingly frequent. Thus, flood-prone areas should expand, not shrink, to safeguard against future disasters.
Call to convene the Balearic Climate Council
The Balearic Climate Council, mandated to meet twice a year under the Balearic Energy and Climate Change Act, has yet to convene.
The Balearic Committee of Climate Change Experts, which advises the government, has already warned against approving the Administrative Simplification Bill due to its negative impact on climate resilience.
The GOB calls for urgent action from public institutions:
- Stop climate denialism.
- Legislate to protect people, not speculative real estate interests.
- Ensure municipalities adopt clear measures to prevent legal and safety risks associated with development in flood-prone areas.
Our society cannot afford more delays or negligence in addressing the climate crisis. Lives depend on responsible governance.