The Parliament of the Balearic Islands in Palma de Mallorca passed a Proposició de llei on 10 November 2026 with votes from Partido Popular and Vox that would ban the wearing of burkas and niqabs in public spaces. As the proposal includes amendments to the Código Penal and other state laws, it will now be referred to the Congreso de los Diputados which will decide on further consideration and possible approval at national level.
The initiative, brought forward by Vox, provides for fines of up to 30,000 euros for repeat offences and prison sentences of up to four years for those who force others to wear the face veil. Representatives of Partido Popular and Vox justified the proposal on the grounds of protecting women’s dignity and individual freedom. Opposition parties such as PSIB, Més per Mallorca and Unidas Podemos warned of the stigmatisation of Muslim women and constitutional risks. The tone of the justification was also criticised for emphasising migration policy motives. The proposed changes to criminal and immigration law, including amendments to the Ley de Extranjería, are likely to be scrutinised particularly closely in Madrid.
Formally, this is a bill from an autonomous parliament, as provided for by the Spanish Constitution. The autonomous parliament is not making a direct change to the law; any national legislation would have to be decided on by the Congreso de los Diputados and, where applicable, the Senado. Only a law passed and published at state level could bring a ban with criminal or administrative penalties into force throughout Spain. Subsequent review by the Tribunal Constitucional would also be possible if fundamental rights were affected.
Politically, the vote underscores the close cooperation between Partido Popular and Vox in the Balearic Islands’ regional politics. It also connects with a nationwide debate that has been going on for months. In early 2026, the Balearic Islands had already called on the central government to establish a legal ban on the face veil. The current decision now puts a specific bill on its way to Madrid. Whether, and in what form, it will secure a majority there remains to be seen. The only certainty is that referral to Madrid does not mean a national ban, but marks the start of the regular legislative process at state level.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).