“The time has come for change in the Balearics” says Spain's deputy Prime Minister

Making an official visit to the region this weekend, de la Vega pointed out that Madrid has already invested 736 million euros in the Islands, this year alone. Asked about how the Balearics stands with regard to state financing, the deputy Prime Minister claimed the matter would be settled before the summer. She said that although it had not been decided whether the Islands would get the full average amount being given out to other regions of the country, as has been called for by the Balearic government, she said she could “guarantee” that the region would “get its due.” Yesterday, de la Vega met with leaders of the construction industry and social organisations and today she will be holding talks with tourist chiefs. Accompanied by Balearic President, Francesc Antich, the deputy Prime Minister spoke of Central Government's plans to “fight back against the economic crisis,” a battle - she claimed - which would only be won if local authorities, industry and unions join forces to make it work.

De la Vega reaffirmed Madrid's commitment to funding road building programmes in the Balearics to the tune of 557 million euros, another 440 million for extension to the Majorcan railway service and the tram line planned to run from Palma out to the airport and on to Arenal.