Thousands of teachers and students from across Madrid’s public education system marched on Wednesday from near the PSOE headquarters to the regional governing PP’s offices on Génova Street. They protested what they described as inadequate university funding and problems with class sizes, staffing, teaching hours and pay in schools and institutes. Organizers estimated the crowd at 10,000, while the Government Delegation counted about 6,000.
The march came as university staff held a strike scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. A larger demonstration is expected on Thursday afternoon, when teachers from non-university stages are due to join. They are in the fourth week of their strike. Education councillor Mercedes Zarzalejo has declined to negotiate with the unions, according to the report.
Along the route, some pedestrians applauded the marchers and drivers sounded their horns in support. Protesters also stopped outside private university buildings, including ICADE, the Pontifical University of Comillas and Nebrija University, chanting: “Nothing for private universities.”
The route began on Marqués de Urquijo Street, around 300 metres from Ferraz, rather than at the PSOE headquarters as the organizers had originally announced. The Platform for Public Universities said the authorities had barred the planned starting point and criticized the decision. The Government Delegation said the approved notice had specified the meeting point at the corner of Marqués de Urquijo and Martín de los Heros, explaining that it was intended to help manage the expected turnout.
Participants described concerns about shortages and long-running pressure on public education. Luis Guzmán, a teacher at Madrid’s Fuente del Palomar school, cited underfunding in early childhood education and a lack of resources for inclusion. Fernando Aranaz, a teacher at Numancia secondary school, said he remained hopeful because the protest movement had not faded and called for negotiations.
María Jesús, a special education teacher in Parla, said the demonstration was not linked to any political party. Her sign read: “Don’t ask who we vote for. Ask what we need.” She said teachers wanted more staff and properly equipped facilities to ensure quality education.
The front of the march, led by students and early childhood education staff, reached the PP headquarters shortly before 2 p.m. amid green smoke flares and a large police presence. The report said there were no disturbances during the demonstration.
Sources: El País Educación.