The PSOE candidate for the Andalusian Parliament, Ángeles Férriz, stated this Monday in Jaén her apprehension about the potential consequences of the current regional government's continued university policy. According to her statements, four more years of the current administration could lead to the closure of public universities.
“"Four more years of Moreno Bonilla and public universities will close."
In the context of the upcoming Andalusian elections, university policy is emerging as a central issue. The socialist candidate criticized the president of the Junta's lack of involvement with the university sector, suggesting that his policies aim to restrict access to public higher education.
The PSOE representative asserted that the Andalusian Executive is carrying out a “programmed dismantling of public services,” while favoring private universities. In this regard, she questioned the quality of some of the five private universities operating in Andalusia.
Regarding the University of Jaén, the candidate denounced that the Junta has harmed this institution, citing as an example the withdrawal of the Biomedical Engineering Degree. This degree, which met the necessary requirements, was allegedly transferred to private education at a cost of 40,000 euros, raising concerns about families' access to such studies in private centers.
Concerning university funding, the socialist candidate described the Junta's recent announcements as an “electoral patch” made “a quarter of an hour before the elections.” She argued that previous unfulfilled promises have brought universities “to the brink of collapse.” She also pointed to changes in the functioning of public universities, such as the closure of facilities in the afternoons and the reduction of teaching staff, and warned of potential salary cuts and layoffs, despite the Junta having “more money than ever.”
Finally, the candidate defended the PSOE's role in expanding the public university system in Andalusia, advocating for a model based on accessibility, adequate funding, and equal opportunities. She highlighted her party's commitment to public universities as a “social elevator.”
