That’s the way the money goes…

SPAIN’S autonomous regions are heavily indebted and for the same reason that the bank balances of private individuals end up in the red: for living beyond their means.

Strangely enough – or should that be predictably enough? – spending on social services in the Valencia Community and the Canary Islands, both of which have a horrendous deficit and debt, is the lowest in Spain.

So where did, and does, the money go? And if these regions’ citizens aren’t benefiting from it, who is?

Nation shall talk unto nation

WHEN Spain’s president met the US president at the Nuclear Summit in Seoul at the end of last month, both Rajoy and Obama expressed regret at not speaking the other’s language and stated their desire to learn it.

But the need for interpreters is not entirely prejudicial: the time-lag provides space in which to ponder, digest and reflect – never a bad thing during political intercourse.

Blast from the past

THE priesthood was one way for impoverished Spanish males to receive an education and a lifelong meal ticket but times changed and vocations dwindled.

Now the Church is offering priests permanent contracts, social security, housing and up to €1,000 a month.

As unemployment spreads like an indelible stain across Spain, not only the cynical or ungodly suspect that an avalanche of vocations is on the cards.