How did Mallorca's political administration evolve after it became part of Spain?

After Mallorca became part of Spain in the early 14th century, following the conquest by King James I of Aragon in 1229, its political administration underwent significant changes as it was integrated into the Crown of Aragon and later the broader Spanish kingdom. Initially, Mallorca retained some aspects of its former independent governance, with local institutions and laws, such as the "Llibre de Repartiment" which regulated land distribution, continuing to influence the island’s administration. However, over time, the central Spanish monarchy increasingly asserted control, imposing a framework that aligned Mallorca more closely with the evolving political structure of Spain.

During the Late Middle Ages and into the early modern period, Mallorca was governed by royal-appointed officials such as the viceroy, who acted as the king’s representative on the island. This position played a crucial role in enforcing royal authority, managing local affairs, and overseeing the judicial and military sectors. Islands like Mallorca were seen as strategic points in the Mediterranean, so their governance often balanced local privileges with the needs of the Spanish crown, which sought to maintain loyalty and stability. Despite the central oversight, Mallorca preserved a degree of self-governance through municipal councils and the Parliaments of the Balearic Islands, which allowed local elites to participate in decision-making.

The political landscape shifted again with the formation of the Kingdom of Spain under the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties, as centralized bureaucratic systems gradually replaced older feudal structures. After the War of Spanish Succession in the early 18th century, King Philip V implemented the Nueva Planta decrees, which abolished many regional laws and institutions of the Crown of Aragon’s territories, including Mallorca. This reform integrated Mallorca more tightly into a unitary Spanish state, diminishing the island’s political autonomy but modernizing administration according to national standards.

In the 20th century, with the establishment of Spain’s contemporary autonomous communities system, Mallorca became part of the Balearic Islands autonomous community. This status restored a measure of self-government, enabling local authorities to manage many administrative, cultural, and economic matters. Today, Mallorca’s political administration is characterized by a balance between local governance through the insular councils and the regional parliament of the Balearic Islands, alongside adherence to Spanish national laws and policies. This evolution reflects Mallorca’s ongoing adaptation to broader Spanish political developments while maintaining its unique identity within the country.