President Antich told: “Call a vote of confidence or resign”

PALMA

BALEARIC President Francesc Antich was told yesterday by the main opposition party in the regional government that he had “no alternative” but to call a vote of confidence in his leadership or resign.

The demand made by Partido Popular (PP) spokesman Francesc Fiol, was prompted by the fact that having ousted the Majorcan Unionist Party (UM) from his ruling coalition, Antich is now governing in a minority in the Balearics.

During a Parliamentary debate yesterday on General Balearic Policy, Fiol claimed that Antich's legitimate right to hold the reins of power was becoming weaker by the day, and that unless he succeeded in stabilising his government, he is going to have a hard-pressed and “fruitless” year ahead of him.

Fiol was openly critical of the way that Antich had brought the Majorcan Unionists into disrepute by expelling three UM ministers and rescinding party power in the government, Council of Majorca and Palma City Council. Antich has said that had he not ejected UM, alleged corruption scandals could have rocked, and ultimately toppled his government.