
Regions balance their books in the first quarter
“The plan has been bearing fruit,” says Finance Minister Cristóbal Montoro Government to announce new funding mechanism next week

“The plan has been bearing fruit,” says Finance Minister Cristóbal Montoro Government to announce new funding mechanism next week
Adjusted figures for some regions show higher shortfalls
Only Asturias, still without a new government after March elections, sees its stability plan rejected by council
Measures include the creation of a new type of tax fraud crime aimed at mafias Maximum prison sentences will be raised from two years to six Statute of limitations on such offenses also to be raised
But Montoro warns town halls about staffing levels
Government obligations reach 68.5 percent of GDP at fourth quarter’s end Analysts predict Spain won’t meet its 2012 deficit target Catalonia tops list of regions with highest public debt
Andalusia to square up against austerity at key meeting

Secretary of state says bloated public administrations have to slim down
Government's plan fails to resolve the problem of employees given short-term contracts

Finance minister's statement that administrators should face charges for overspending sparks a complex debate