The UIMP is experiencing «serious» economic problems that jeopardize its viability, according to the PP.
The Cantabria Parliament has approved a motion on Monday requesting the central government to ensure the funding of public universities in a sustained growth path by actively participating in the funding of the public university system. The motion, presented by the PP, aims to address the continuous challenges faced by universities, research, and innovation under the government of Pedro Sánchez. It received support from the PRC and independent deputy Cristóbal Palacio, was rejected by the PSOE, and saw Vox abstain.
The motion calls for an urgent General Conference on University Policy to detail the financial contribution, timelines, amount, and method by which the funding will be transferred to universities across the country. It also advocates for negotiating the state’s contribution to public university funding on equal terms and initiating a research strengthening program.
Furthermore, the motion includes proposals for the government to cover the additional costs of the Margarita Salas program, renew the María Zambrano program, urgently reinstate aid procedures for artificial intelligence research (cancelled by the Ministry), and establish a university PERTE program.
PP deputy Álvaro Aguirre expressed concern over the detrimental impact of the central government’s financial neglect on the region’s university. He criticized the lack of financial collaboration from the central government following the approval of the LOSU, leaving autonomous communities struggling with university funding. He highlighted the University of Cantabria’s historic contract program of €300 million, ending years of financial instability.
Aguirre also mentioned the lack of continuity and stability in the María Zambrano and Margarita Salas contracts, as well as the underfunding of UNED, resulting in a deficit of over €19 million due to the Ministry’s refusal to cover salary increases. He emphasized the severe economic challenges faced by the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP), putting its viability at risk.
The regionalist parties supported the motion, urging the national government to fulfill all commitments under the LOSU. However, the PSOE criticized the PP for using the motion as a means to highlight the Education Minister’s performance, labeling it as political opportunism. Vox abstained, attributing some funding challenges to inter-administrative competition.
In the field of education, the Parliament unanimously approved a motion urging the regional government to implement measures for all Infant, Primary, and Secondary education centers to have a dedicated policy for preventing and managing anaphylaxis. This policy should include measures to reduce exposure to allergens in schools, training for staff, and individual plans supervised by the Health System for students with allergies.
Families must inform the school about students’ food allergies, provide medication for safekeeping and use, and disclose allergy information in student records. The motion, presented by the PSOE and supported by all groups and independent deputy Cristóbal Palacio, highlighted the risks faced by children with allergies and the importance of swift action to prevent severe consequences.
The PSOE emphasized the increasing prevalence of food allergies in Spain, noting a significant rise in anaphylactic incidents, particularly among children. They stressed the necessity of school policies providing support and rapid emergency responses for the 20% of allergic students who experience reactions at school.
The PP expressed commitment to the well-being and health of Cantabrians, noting that schools currently request allergy information during enrollment. The PRC called for better coordination between the Health and Education departments and advocated for comprehensive communication plans for schools, ensuring the availability of adrenaline auto-injectors provided by the Health Service.
Vox expressed concerns about the high rate of food allergy-related school bullying, emphasizing the need to improve protocols as necessary.
FUENTE