On February 23, 2025, Madrid witnessed a significant protest organized by over 20 educational collectives and unions, aiming to unite the entire educational community to safeguard public education. The event commenced at Atocha at noon, marching toward the iconic Puerta del Sol, under the banner, ‘Salvemos la educación pública’ (Let’s Save Public Education). This mobilization encapsulated the rising concern over the continued government neglect and privatization efforts threatening education across various levels.
According to the collective’s manifesto, "We are teachers, counselors, educators, administrative staff, researchers, students, mothers, and fathers. We are thousands united to save Public Education from the attacks of the Community of Madrid government." This strong declaration reflects the widespread frustration among educators and families alike, who see their struggles mirrored across the education system.
The protest was marked by the participation of teachers from early childhood, primary, secondary, and higher education, as well as vocational training institutions. Educational collectives representing universities—including the Complutense University (UCM), Autónoma University (UAM), University of Alcalá (UAH), among others—were particularly vocal, condemning what they described as the ‘economic suffocation’ imposed by the regional government, which restricts funding and encourages privatization.
Rosa, from Escuelas Infantiles Play, voiced the collective's demands, stating, "We fight so public education is accessible, free, and of quality for the entire population, aware of its status as an indispensable public service, akin to healthcare or housing, which the regional government has been attacking for years.”
The mobilization wasn’t merely symbolic. Attendees expressed concrete demands, including reduced student-to-teacher ratios, improved facilities, and sufficient materials for classes. Almudena, a secondary school teacher, lamented the current conditions, stating, "We can’t fit in class; we lack materials, guiding professionals, and teachers. We exceed 25 students per class, and we're exhausted. We will not allow the situation to continue."
Vocational training (FP) students also highlighted their challenges amid increasing competition for practical placements, as the number of publicly funded spots shrinks. Mario, a vocational teacher, underscored the bureaucratic obstacles, noting, "My center has six FP courses and about 180 students each. Each teacher must fill out 1,100 documents just to confirm if one student qualifies for their internships. This obscures the educational focus and burdens us with unnecessary paperwork.”
The unity of the educational community was palpable, as participants called for action across every educational level. Various unions such as CGT, CNT, CCOO, and UGT proudly marched alongside associations of families and student groups, demonstrating solid solidarity. The students from universities and the collective known as Marea Verde (Green Tide) expressed their collective determination against privatization policies they argue lead to educational inequities and deteriorated conditions.
The stirring message from the organizers re-emphasized their commitment to defend public education from budget reductions by the regional government, which they believe is systematically dismantling the very foundations of accessible education. A collective statement encapsulated their sentiments, highlighting, "The education we envisioned is deteriorated, with accessible and high-quality education being replaced by policies favoring privatization and favoritism toward private institutions."
At the conclusion of the march, leaders representing diverse educational backgrounds read out the manifesto, outlining the urgent need for policy changes. They demanded the end of the diversion of public funds to private entities and called for investment geared toward improving public education facilities.
The protest garnered significant attention and was attended by various political figures from Madrid’s left-wing parties, emphasizing the growing political ramifications of the education crisis. The community urged all political actors to listen and take responsibility for the impacts inflicted upon the educational system.
The echoes of resilience and support resounded throughout Madrid as demonstrators donned iconic green shirts, commonly associated with the defense of quality education. This vibrant display signified collective hope and the determination to halt the tide of educational decline.
Essentially, the mobilization encapsulated the urgent quest for quality education, reflecting the surfacing struggle against not just political decisions, but against broader social issues related to equity and access to education for every child. This resolute gathering marks yet another chapter in Madrid’s enduring fight for public education, showcasing the unwavering spirit of those dedicated to its preservation.
Despite the mounting challenges, the educational community's call to arms proved successful not just as a singular moment of protest but also as part of an overarching movement to reclaim the essence of public education. They underscored their shared belief: the right to education belongs to all—and it must not be compromised for the sake of profit.