Hundreds of students clashed on Thursday at the Complutense University of Madrid, resulting in the cancellation of Iván Espinosa de los Monteros' scheduled conference, which was organized by the conservative student group, ‘Libertad Sin Ira’. Originally set to take place at 5 PM at the university’s Somosaguas campus, the event titled ‘New Stage and New Executive’ was disrupted as protests escalated, preventing the former Vox spokesperson from entering the venue.
Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Fascists out of the university" and "Here are the antifascists", echoing their staunch opposition against the appearance of Espinosa de los Monteros. Tensions heightened as protests began approximately thirty minutes prior to the event, leading to a significant police presence due to fears of violence.
Videos circulating on social media depicted confrontations between the protesters and supporters of Espinosa, which necessitated intervention from the National Police and UIP, Spain's riot police. The calling student association expressed their frustration, declaring on social media, “They will not silence us.”
Espinosa, who had arrived at the venue amid heavy resistance, expressed gratitude toward the police for ensuring his safety. He criticized the university's constraints on speech and vowed, “We have entered the fray and faced them. And we will return.” The former Vox leader commented via social media, applauding the police's effort saying, “I especially want to thank the police for their impeccable work.” He also condemned the actions of the protestors, framing them as antithetical to the values espoused by academics.
According to the university’s statement, the event's cancellation was justified on grounds of security. The statement outlined the Complutense University's commitment to ideologically diverse discourse and the necessity for peaceful expressions of dissent, reaffirming its dedication to freedom of expression within its spaces.
The faculty noted, “The Faculty of Political Sciences and Sociology is firmly committed to ideological tolerance, the dignity of people, and the respect for difference and diversity, the freedom of expression and honest, respectful dialogue.”
The faculty's communication emphasized their refusal to compromise on safety and order, indicated by the decision to cancel the event and their standpoint on maintaining the integrity of academic discussion.
The student group, ‘Libertad Sin Ira’, which previously aligned with the People's Party (PP), organized the event with the intent to celebrate new leadership within their ranks. Eduardo Peláez, the newly elected president of the group, was also set to be inaugurated during the gathering.
Citing ideological biases, many students protested against what they labeled as Espinosa’s extremist views. They voiced their concerns about the event reinforcing harmful narratives during the university protest, stating, “The privatizing process advances, seeking legitimacy through events like these.”
Espinosa de los Monteros' planned visit evoked passionate responses from both sides, encapsulating the broader ideological divides present within Spain’s contemporary social and political landscapes. At the core of the opposition lay fears over the rise of right-wing ideologies within academic environments, prompting the backlash from dissenting students.
The faculty received vandalized messages and posters opposing Espinosa’s appearance, reinforcing the political climate of discontent among the student body against perceived right-wing influence. Reports indicated the atmosphere escalated quickly, with allegations of physical assault against one protestor.
Following the uproar at the Complutense University, Iván Espinosa de los Monteros reaffirmed his stance against perceived censorship, claiming the protests demonstrate the very “totalitarianism and genuine fascism” he argues against. His remarks were shared across social platforms, framing him as both victim and champion of free speech within the constraints imposed by the university’s parameters.
With these events, the ideological battlefields of the university are becoming increasingly pronounced, evidencing the confrontation between the left-wing student groups and conservative organizations. The Complutense University serves as just one of many arenas for such political discourse in Spain, with rising tensions predicting more protests and potential confrontations as planned events draw nearer.
The confrontation at Complutense University highlights not only the divisions present within the student body but also brings to light larger issues surrounding freedom of expression, the suppression of ideological viewpoints, and the role of educational spaces as platforms for diverse opinions to coexist.