Minister of Social Welfare and Services Isaac Herzog today expressed his concern, in view of the high unemployment figures, that no one has asked for the portfolio in the coalition negotiations. "No one really wants to head this ministry," he said in a speech from the Knesset podium about the ministry's activities.
Herzog added, "We're about to have a new government. There are negotiations about the allocation of the foreign affairs, defense, and finance portfolios, with all due respect. But no one, and I emphasize, no one, really wants the welfare portfolio, even though this is the first portfolio in this house that the parties should demand."
Herzog expressed the hope that a minister would demonstrate some responsibility and ask for the social welfare portfolio.
Herzog warned about the projections of an unemployment rate of 7.5% by mid-year. "This is a very dangerous warning light," he said.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 4, 2009
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