The leadership contest

THE resignation of Jaume Matas last week appears to have even caught the Partido Popular by surprise and most people appear to be amazed that he went so early. Matas resigned after failing in his attempts to form a coalition government and his offer to the Majorcan Unionists was said to be very generous. As soon as it was rejected he resigned and now the Partido Popular are trying to find a new leader. It won't be an easy task because Matas was undoubtedly the best they had. I suspected his deputy Rosa Estaras will take over although former Mayor of Palma Catalina Cirer has also been mentioned. The Mayor of Calvia Carlos Delgado has been mentioned but he has not endeared himself to some sections of his own party. He has also caused a storm by giving himself a substantial pay rise. Delgado has a salary of 100'000 euros a year and he is one of the best paid mayors in the Balearics. But returning to the leadership contest the Partido Popular must act quickly and find themselves a new leader if the rainbow coalition are to be held to task. The PP has a vital task ahead because their sizeable number of MPs can make life very difficult for the incoming government. The Partido Popular must forget their election blues and concentrate on their new and important role in opposition.