RECESSION MAY LEAD TO MINISTRY MERGERS IN THE BALEARICS

PALMA
THE Balearic government is not discounting the fact that financial restrictions in 2010 may mean that there will have to be fewer ministries. Albert Moragues, regional Minister for the President's Office, said yesterday that the mergers will probaly result in a reduction in the number of local authority public companies.

Moragues confirmed that “there isn't a great deal to be happy about” in terms of available funding this coming year and consequently certain government departments might have to combine with others and make use of fewer companies carrying out local authority work.

Asked whether the Balearic government is going to contribute to car puchase subsidies of 1.8 million euros set aside this year and next by Central Government, Moragues confessed that “things are looking bad.” A scheme had been introduced earlier in the year to kick start the car sales industry whereby every new car puchase would be financed to the tune of 1'500 euros by Central Government and the manufacturer, and an optional 500 euros by the regional government.