Sánchez Challenges Ayuso and Moreno on University Privatisation
Spanish President Pedro Sánchez announces measures against private university initiatives during a public university defense event in Madrid.
Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, has intensified his political confrontation with the Popular Party (PP) and its regional leaders, notably Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla.
In a public address at the Uned Schools in Madrid, Sánchez criticized the growth of private universities, or 'chiringuitos,' which he argues threaten public education and access to quality higher education.
Sánchez announced a plan aimed at revitalizing public universities, which includes an initial funding boost of 30 million euros in the first year.
He claimed that the current model of higher education is failing to serve as a social elevator, suggesting that it is 'gripped' by issues stemming from the rise of private institutions that prioritize profit over educational quality.
During the event, Sánchez stated that the Spanish Cabinet would approve a new initiative to be expedited through Parliament, designed to tighten the criteria for the establishment, recognition, and authorization of new universities.
He argued that 'a university cannot be a vending machine or a factory of degrees without guarantees.'
The proposed measures include stricter requirements to ensure that universities maintain high-quality standards.
These involve adding a binding evaluation report by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (Aneca) or regional agencies, which will be mandatory for the creation of new universities.
Furthermore, the initiative stipulates that new institutions must have at least 4,500 students in their first five years, provide a minimum of 10% of accommodation places, and demonstrate managerial experience among their promoters, alongside more rigorous requirements for research.
Sánchez voiced concerns that the public university system is at risk due to the privatization strategies ascribed to the PP-led regional governments.
He accused these governments of undermining public services by diverting resources and funding, leading to diminished quality and services in public education.
He emphasized that financing for public universities in the region governed by Ayuso has been cut by nearly 30% since 2016, while Moreno’s administration has kept its university budget frozen for six years.
Sánchez expressed apprehension over a shift from a paradigm of equality to one that prioritizes wealth and lineage, linking this to fiscal policies that favor the affluent while reducing public service funding.
In a public address at the Uned Schools in Madrid, Sánchez criticized the growth of private universities, or 'chiringuitos,' which he argues threaten public education and access to quality higher education.
Sánchez announced a plan aimed at revitalizing public universities, which includes an initial funding boost of 30 million euros in the first year.
He claimed that the current model of higher education is failing to serve as a social elevator, suggesting that it is 'gripped' by issues stemming from the rise of private institutions that prioritize profit over educational quality.
During the event, Sánchez stated that the Spanish Cabinet would approve a new initiative to be expedited through Parliament, designed to tighten the criteria for the establishment, recognition, and authorization of new universities.
He argued that 'a university cannot be a vending machine or a factory of degrees without guarantees.'
The proposed measures include stricter requirements to ensure that universities maintain high-quality standards.
These involve adding a binding evaluation report by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (Aneca) or regional agencies, which will be mandatory for the creation of new universities.
Furthermore, the initiative stipulates that new institutions must have at least 4,500 students in their first five years, provide a minimum of 10% of accommodation places, and demonstrate managerial experience among their promoters, alongside more rigorous requirements for research.
Sánchez voiced concerns that the public university system is at risk due to the privatization strategies ascribed to the PP-led regional governments.
He accused these governments of undermining public services by diverting resources and funding, leading to diminished quality and services in public education.
He emphasized that financing for public universities in the region governed by Ayuso has been cut by nearly 30% since 2016, while Moreno’s administration has kept its university budget frozen for six years.
Sánchez expressed apprehension over a shift from a paradigm of equality to one that prioritizes wealth and lineage, linking this to fiscal policies that favor the affluent while reducing public service funding.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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