Spanish autonomous communities block Inclusive Education Plan

Twelve Spanish autonomous communities have blocked the government’s Inclusive Education Plan. Abelardo de la Rosa, the Secretary of State for Education, characterized the opposition as an “unjustified ideological position.”

While the regional governments rejected the strategic plan, they did reach an agreement to distribute nearly 31.3 million euros to strengthen Vocational Training (FP). The rejected plan, which has been in development for 18 months, aims to improve educational quality for 1.2 million students with special educational needs, including those with disabilities. The government noted that the preparation included contributions from the Spanish Committee of Representatives of Persons with Disabilities (Cermi).

Regional representatives argued that the initiative lacked a detailed economic memorandum. However, De la Rosa stated that the current phase is intended to establish “conceptual principles” and that regulatory development and economic documentation will follow. The Community of Madrid was among the regions that voted against the Inclusive Education Plan while supporting the distribution of funds for vocational training.