Rebel MP sentenced to four years in jail but refuses to resign

THE Balearic political scene was in disarray again last night after the suspended rebel Majorcan Unionist Party MP, Bartomeu Vicens, was handed a four-and-a-half year sentence by the Balearic High Court for the apparent misappropriation of public funds.

However, the former Council of Majorca planning inspector who was also banned from holding any public position for eight years, said that he has no intention of giving up his seat in the Balearic Parliament and plans to appeal.

The decision has angered politicians across the political spectrum because it comes just days after the coalition government approved a new code of conduct as part of its crackdown on political corruption.