Tributes Pour In for Francesc Antich, Former President of the Balearic Islands
Francesc Antich, who served as president of the Balearic Islands for two terms from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2007 to 2011, has died at the age of 66 in Mallorca after battling cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2022, according to sources from PSIB-PSOE. Born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1958 but raised in Mallorca, Antich began his political career as the mayor of Algaida for the Socialist Party of the Balearic Islands, where he eventually became the Secretary General. His tenure as the first socialist president of the Balearic Islands marked a significant shift in the political landscape, during which he led a coalition government known as the Pacte de Progrés.
Following his time as president, Antich served in the Spanish Congress and was a senator from 2011 to 2019. He took on various roles, including President of the Balearic Port Authority (APB) in 2020, and also worked as a lawyer for the Municipal Board of Housing and Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Neighborhoods of the Palma City Council.
On September 13, 2024, he participated in a celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Pacte de Progrés in Palma, during which he emphasized that equality, cohesion, and culture serve as vaccines against populism and the far-right.
News of his passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues, and political rivals. The President of the Congress of Deputies and former Balearic Islands president, Francina Armengol, took to social media to reflect on Antich's legacy, referring to him as her teacher, friend, and guiding light. "There are moments when words cannot express feelings or pain. This is one of them. One of the greats has left. To me, my teacher, my friend, and my beacon, Xisco Antich is a life reference, a lesson in life and affection in our country. My tribute will always be to be loyal to what he taught me and continue fighting for the socialist ideals we have always shared. I love you infinitely, Xisco," she wrote.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed deep sorrow over Antich’s death. He recognized Antich's contributions as a leader who paved paths of progress and dialogue in both the Balearic Islands and Spain as a whole. "We are left with Xisco Antich, a great companion and socialist reference. He taught us to govern without fear of the future. His departure leaves a great void," Sánchez stated on social media while extending condolences to Antich's family.
Marga Prohens, the current president of the Balearic Government and a political rival, also paid her respects. She thanked Antich for his contributions and noted that he was always friendly and approachable. "Sad news, the loss of the two-time President of the Govern, Francesc Antich, who has died at the age of 68 after two years of fighting against cancer. He was a key figure in politics within the Balearic Islands and in the establishment of our autonomy, making the reform of our Statute possible through consensus. My condolences to his family and friends, and to his PSIB-PSOE colleagues in this time of deep sorrow. Rest in peace," Prohens wrote.
Francesc Antich's legacy remains etched in the history of the Balearic Islands, fostering an era of social progress and collaborative governance. As tributes continue to flow in, it is clear that he will be remembered as an influential leader whose impact resonates beyond his years in office.
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