Around 50,000 people, according to organizers, marched in Madrid on Sunday against cuts and institutional neglect of public education by Isabel Díaz Ayuso's government. The protest gathered teachers, students, and families from all education levels, starting from Atocha and ending at Sol. Participants denounced underfunding, high ratios, and increasing privatization.
The demonstration started at 12:00 from Atocha and proceeded along Paseo del Prado, Calle Alcalá, and other main streets to Puerta del Sol. With slogans like “no future without education”, “education is not for sale” and “Ayuso, listen, public education is fighting”, participants displayed banners on special education, high ratios, and poor working conditions.
Jorge Pérez-Huet, UCM student and Frente de Estudiantes militant, stated: “The Government of the Community of Madrid subjects all education levels to underfunding, nefarious working conditions, deplorable conditions for students.” Rosa Marín from Plataforma Laboral de Escuelas Infantiles (PLEI), on indefinite strike since April 7, said: “It was the day to show the strength of 0-3.”
Organizers, including Menos Lectivas assemblies, CGT, CNT, and university platforms, criticize increased funding for private and concertada education while public groups close. They question the 14.8 billion euro university funding agreement as insufficient and a demobilization attempt. Families of students with ASD and special education professionals demanded more resources for true inclusion.
The protest adds to actions like the nurseries teachers' strike, demanding lower ratios and salary increases. At Sol, spokeswomen declared: “Education is not a business, it is a right”, and called for a general education strike.
