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The serious economic situation of local and regional government in Spain is increasing. This article illustrates the comical nature of some measures town halls are taking to try and function in these ever worsening times.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/spains-town-hall-meltdown-2377789.html

In Alicante the Pharmacists have had enough. They are owed so much money by the regional health authority they are going to charge patients 100% of the costs of medicines. Their own financial positions are at risk and say they have no choice.

[Anonymous]

I have heard that a family friend (retired) has had her/his pension withdrawn by the Andalucian Regional Government.

Not sure of the exact details of the pension that was received, but clearly it was discretionary. The person now has no pension and has to rely on the spouses pension. We are taking about a sum just a little over 200 Euros.

[Chopera]

Last week there was news coverage of a town in Girona (Olot) that wanted to switch off the traffic lights at night. They estimated it would save them a massive €6000 a year. They could save even more by sacking the idiot who thought of it, but of course in Spain you can’t sack funcionarios.

Anyway it looks like they’ve now changed their minds after a 7 year old girl was killed:

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/Olot/anula/decision/apagar/semaforos/noche/atropello/mortal/nina/manana/elpepuesp/20111031elpepunac_7/Tes

[DBMarcos99]

@Chopera wrote:

Last week there was news coverage of a town in Girona (Olot) that wanted to switch off the traffic lights at night. They estimated it would save them a massive €6000 a year. They could save even more by sacking the idiot who thought of it, but of course in Spain you can’t sack funcionarios.

Anyway it looks like they’ve now changed their minds after a 7 year old girl was killed:

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/Olot/anula/decision/apagar/semaforos/noche/atropello/mortal/nina/manana/elpepuesp/20111031elpepunac_7/Tes

I’ve seen plenty of cases in the UK where traffic ran more efficiently when the traffic lights were turned off. I’m surprised the govt hasn’t already proposed doing this – turning off the street lights seems fairly widespread across the UK now:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/8887314/One-in-10-street-lights-dimmed-as-councils-try-to-save-cash.html

Maybe we’re getting to the stage where western countries have to stop lighting up the atmosphere? Well, apart from the Xmas run-up of course!

[katy]

In some of Spain’s town Halls the workforce hasn’t been paid their salary for a couple of months.

[Author]

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