Santa Cruz de Tenerife 7 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The Deputy of the Common, Lola Padrón, will demand that the Ministry of Education of the Canary Islands Government adhere to the funding provisions of the Canarian Education Law, as failure to do so “undermines social justice and equity when accessing public services,” following her meeting on Friday with members of the 8th education platform.
Furthermore, Padrón has stated to the media that this matter will be highlighted as a “priority” issue in the annual report to be submitted by the Diputación.
“The complaint is supported by a group of individuals who, in addition to their passion for Canarian public education, include some who have previously worked within the administration for this cause. They are concerned as they see how a task within the Parliament that once facilitated agreements on all aspects of Canarian education is now stalling, which results in delays in educational and health matters,” Padrón stated.
As such, she stressed that “a delay in educational matters” would mean “losing talents,” particularly those of individuals who “cannot afford private education.” Thus, failing to ensure adequate funding for public services signifies “disrupting social justice, equity, and fairness in accessing public resources.”
Padrón added that the response from the Ministry has not been “satisfactory,” as “now they assert, through their technical general secretary, that the budget is underpinned by Parliament.”
“Those familiar with my work know I understand how parliamentary procedures operate, particularly concerning budgets. The budget is proposed by the Government. The Ministry of Education presents its yearly budget proposal to the Government, specifically to the Ministry of Finance, who then submits it to Parliament,” she explained.
Lola Padrón also remarked that “there is a law mandating that 5% of the gross domestic product must be allocated to education,” highlighting that the Canary Islands currently face a situation that “marginalises many students on the islands who are unable to realise their life projects here.”
“Education and health ensure equal opportunities and equity, enabling all citizens to progress together,” noted the Deputy of the Common, who emphasised that the Government will be pressed from the Diputación to fulfil the funding obligations of the Canary Education Law, and this concern will also be reflected in the institution’s annual report.
The 5% Education Platform
Group member Carlos Quesada reminded everyone of the “years” that the collective has been voicing “this persistent breach, albeit uneven, of the Canarian Education Law. This legislative advancement, he asserts, was approved in 2014,” being aware of the “serious issues” affecting education in the islands, which have positioned us “at a disadvantage.”
“This disadvantage impacts children’s rights and their entitlement to a decent life. Ultimately, poorer education equates to a less promising future, and we all recognise this. Hence, understanding that financial investment is required to improve our standings in the national context, that pathway to secure funding was established to reach 5% by 2025, and it must be noted that from 2014 to now, that progress has been uneven,” he continued.
Consequently, Quesada emphasised, “we have decreased from 4.63 in 2023 to 4% in 2025.” Thus, he expressed regret over “losing in just two budgetary cycles everything that was achieved during the previous legislature in terms of funding.” Quesada explained that this setback is already having repercussions, particularly in relation to the implementation of early childhood education.
The member of the 5% Education Platform also highlighted that this sector has experienced the least growth in funding during the current legislative term, when compared to the 2023 budget.
