Educational group closures in Catalonia: A controversial reorganization

In a recent statement, the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, defended the decision to close educational groups for the upcoming school year, calling it a "reorganization" due to a projected decrease of 30,000 students in the region, stemming from a declining birth rate. Illa emphasized that public education remains a top priority for his government, insisting that no public schools will be closed. He argued that reducing the number of students requires an adjustment in the educational offer without closing any public institutions.

Illa responded to questions from Jéssica Albiach regarding the closure of 111 public school lines and the opening of 21 lines in private institutions. Albiach, from the Comuns party, criticized the government’s approach, urging the government to reconsider its stance, stating that the educational crisis cannot be solved through agreements with the OECD and that a radical reduction in student-teacher ratios should be prioritized, alongside listening to professionals and families.

The President detailed that the reorganization plan will result in a student ratio of 19, a significant improvement from the usual 25. He also highlighted that the process followed extensive consultations, with 225 meetings held with various municipalities. However, Albiach criticized the absence of discussions with key mayors from Barcelona, including those from her own party.

Laia Estrada, a member of the CUP, also criticized Illa’s policies, calling them similar to those of right-wing parties and accusing the government of classism in the educational system. She also noted the challenges faced by other public services, such as healthcare and transportation. Illa responded by emphasizing increased public investment in health and public transportation, as well as the creation of 7,500 new vocational training positions.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in the Parliament, with protesters voicing their opposition to the closure of public school groups. The Minister of Education, Esther Niubó, defended the government’s educational planning criteria, emphasizing that the primary focus is to preserve public education while improving quality and reducing student ratios. She argued that, unlike previous administrations, the current government is working to achieve a student ratio of 19 or even 17 students per class, and she insisted that they are not dismantling public education.

Protests also took place in various Catalan cities, with the 'La Pública, l'Escola de Tothom' platform organizing demonstrations against the closure of public school lines. Educators and community representatives are particularly vocal against the proposed changes, including the merging of science subjects in high school, which has sparked significant resistance from educators and students alike.