See How They Rob Us!

An astonishing digest of how small town halls 'rob' their citizens. An article in Diagonal Panorama called 'Así nos roban'. A glimpse: '...The municipal elections are always in May. That year, in the first days of January, the councillors head over to the Accounts Department to find out how much is available for their annual budgets. Since then, in a race against time, they have just four months to empty them all. Is it usual to see them wondering: "what needs painting?," or “is there anything needed for the polideportivo?". It doesn't matter what. Budgets must be exhausted. The maximum flow of money possible must be spent on "el pueblo". It could be the last chance for commissions. It is the best time for absurd expenses or nutty ideas. No councillor is so stupid as to leave money in the budget that might be spent by another after the elections. Even if his own party were to win, who knows who might take over his department. Better not leave anything...'.