Getting no support from opposition parties, Silves’ CDU Câmara has voted to approve the lowest council budget for many years – a total of €35.9 million – but even with this amount, it hopes to boost the local economy by providing new jobs and increase funds going to a number of areas.
The administration, headed up by Mayor Rosa Palma, is getting a reputation for doing things a little differently.
This latest budget reduces State intervention by €146,000 but will see more money going to parish councils, local firemen, social initiatives, culture, sport and youth associations. Not only this, the municipality guarantees that it will give “a small boost” to the local economy by employing 32 new staff members in 2014.
The budget, which was unanimously supported by Silves’ three CDU councillors, saw both PS and PSD members abstaining.
