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IN BAD HEALTH

26/09/2013 00:00

By Jason Moore THE new coalition Balearic government has only been in power for four months and it is already facing a major crisis. The issue is of course, the new Palma National Health Service Hospital, planned for Son Espases on the outskirts of Palma. While in opposition the seven parties, which now form the government, all voiced their disapproval over the project for a variety of reasons ranging from allegations of foul play in the purchase of the site to the fact that it was an area of natural beauty.

When in opposition the parties all said that it would be a good idea just to improve the present Son Dureta hospital.
But four months is a long time in politics and now it looks as if the hospital at Son Espases will be built after all, even though some of the smaller parties on the coalition, are still opposed to the plan. Meanwhile, the Partido Popular, now in opposition who announced plans for the hospital when they were in power, are looking to exploit the alleged cracks in the coalition.

Leader Rosa Estaras has promised the support of her party to Balearic leader Francesc Antich if he wants to go ahead with Espases. If Antich did have to turn to the opposition to get their support to pass the project then it could mean that serious problems are on the horizon for the coalition.