22/05/2004 00:00
TW
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Staff Reporter LEADER of the Balearic government, Jaume Matas, said yesterday that he hopes that the new trend in central government “will not result in unequal treatment of the regions”. “The present Balearic government” said Matas, “has been in power for 8 months and it has found itself with a significant deficit that had not been evident in the public Treasury when we assumed office. We have the need and the right to deal with it” he declared.

Matas also made reference to the importance of the island status of the Balearics being given special recognition within the European Constitution. “The economic disadvantage of being an island also affects many other islands in Europe, an injustice which needs correction” said the Balearic leader.

New minister
Meanwhile, the ex Ports director, Cristóbal Huguet Sintes, took possession of his new post yesterday as Employment and Training minister for the Balearic government. The appointment has been made following the resignation of his predecessor, Guillermo de Olives, who gave up the position earlier this week for personal reasons.

In attendance yesterday at the official seat of the regional government in Palma, were the Balearic leader, Jaume Matas, and all the ministers in the government team.

After the official swearing-in, Huguet took possession of his post promising to undertake his new responsibilities to the best of his ability.
Matas, during the speech which he gave to draw the ceremony to a close, thanked de Olives for his “loyalty and spirit of sacrifice” throughout all the months that he has held office within the government administration of the Balearic Islands.

Christóbal Huguet Sintes, was born in Minorca on 3 April 1945. He acted as deputy and minister for Minorca during the third period of office held by a Balearic government since the regions were given self-governing powers by central Administration, later becoming head of the Island Commission for Town Planning on Minorca from 1991 to 1995. He has also held the post of minister for Territory, and Agricultural and Fishing policy and a director of that of Planning and Environmental planning within the Balearic government.