Antich says new govt minister will back Balearics

REGIONAL President, Francesc Antich, said yesterday that he was confident that Central Government's newly appointed third Vice-President and Territory Minister, Manuel Chaves would back calls for funding in the Islands. Antich claimed that Chaves, himself the President of the region of Andalucia, had already said “if ever a region of Spain needed more financial support, it's the Balearics.” After signing a new agreement to make more new businesses eligible for financial assessment and guidance services, Antich said that Chaves was “perfectly” aware of the current economic strain which The Balearic Islands are under, reportedly “21 points below the national average.” Antich said that there was no danger of being left out in the cold with Chaves arguing the Islands' corner in Central Government.