Fury in Majorca as ‘Germans out’ graffiti spotted

The anti-German graffiti was spray-painted in the Santanyi area of Majorca (Image: Getty)

Anti-German graffiti has appeared in Majorca as the overtourism row rages on. The messages have been spotted on shops and cars in the popular Santanyí area of the island.

Phrases such as "Germans out" were spray-painted on shop windows, doors and cars with German registrations. Other messages such as "Foreign buyers, go to hell" have also recently appeared in the southern area of Majorca.  It comes as the local population is growing increasingly angry with wealthy foreign residents who they blame for surging property prices and killing local culture. 

However, as reported by The Local, others argue that tourism contributes massively to the Spanish economy. The critics say that some of the anti-tourism rhetoric stems from anti-foreigner and even xenophobic sentiment.

German artist, Frank Krüger, was reportedly targeted by the grafitti and claimed the action was "planned and coordinated". He added that it was "not the work of a single person" and the situation has "gone too far".

The local council has since condemned thr anti-German messaging. They insisted the graffiti does "not represent the feelings of the majority of the public, nor is it believed that those responsible are residents of the municipality."

Jorge Pérez, councillor for the Vox party in Santanyí, said: "In recent days, our municipality has been the scene of deeply worrying events, as offensive graffiti and stickers with anti-German messages have appeared on vehicles and businesses, affecting foreign residents who have been contributing positively to our community for years. 

"At Vox, we defend all those who pay taxes on our islands, respect our rules and form an active part of the social fabric of Santanyí."

Spanish locals have accused foreign residents of driving up property prices (Image: Getty)

He added: "Under the excuse of criticising the tourism model, a campaign of targeting and harassment has been launched against citizens who are fully integrated, in a clear display of ideological intolerance and political sectarianism."

According to INE, Spain's national body for statistics, around 19,000 German people live on the Balearic Islands. Thousands more also visit the popular area throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Peguera, located around 17 miles west of Palma, has been dubbed "Germany on Sea". Here you can find restaurants dressed up like ski chalets, serving German dishes with German-speaking staff.