Because of dismal jobs figures and a decreasing number of contributing workers, the Social Security system will exceed its deficit goal by around one percent in 2012. This shows just how hard it is to make cutbacks during a recession.
It is possible that regional governments will meet their budget objective as a group, because the regions that are in good shape will compensate for those that are not. That is the case for Catalonia, which will have a 2.3% deficit this year. The region went over budget by 0.8% and is expected to exceed budgeted spending once again this year. Perhaps if Mas had not insisted on holding an election that was doomed to fail, he could have focused on fixing Catalonia's problems. Montoro, who facilitated the FLA and the Service Provider Payment Plan, should do what the law asks.
