Key legislation in tatters

By Jason Moore MUCH of the Balearic government's key legislation could be left in tatters as a result of the change in government in Madrid. Already, socialist MP for the Balearics Francesc Antich, who appears to have taken on the role as the new Prime Minister's spokesperson here, has said that the road building plan will be scaled back and plans to introduce a two tier education system in Castillan and Catalan could be put on hold. Unfortunately for Balearic leader Jaume Matas, much of his key legistion depended on money from Madrid. When his colleague Jose Maria Aznar was in power he had few problems, but the change in government effectively means that the goal-posts have been moved. The Balearic government are facing the prospect of a major reduction in state aid. Antich, who has rapidly taken on the guise as the comeback kid has said that plans for the Inca to Manacor motorway will not receive state support. It is quite amazing that despite Spain's devolved form of regional government if money is not forthcoming from Madrid then it is back to square one. Matas now finds himself in the difficult position of having to deal with a socialist Prime Minister who will have little time for a Partido Popular controlled province. I suspect that the bulk of state aid will be off to Andalucia which effectively won the elections for the socialists. Cataluña is also expected to benefit. Unfortunately the Balearics will once again be out of favour with Madrid. It is interesting to note that the regional government here has always been at odds with the ruling party in Madrid. Matas must try and woe the socialist Prime Minister otherwise he could find himself in serious problems and risk a backlash from voters who are alarmed at progress on key projects.