Spanish students union calls for fresh protest against education reform

The Spanish students union on Wednesday called for a fresh two-day strike in March to protest against education reform adopted by the ruling Popular Party (PP).

The strike, to be held on March 26 and 27, is a follow-up to the last November's demonstration by students union. It aims to protest about the Law on Improvement of Education Quality (LOMCE), which is greatly unpopular with students and parents, as they see the law will not improve education in the country.

Meanwhile, people in Catalonia also consider the law to be an attack on the Catalan language.

The LOMCE was validated by the Spanish Congress on Nov. 30, 2013, with only the PP voting in favor. It was passed at a time when the government was announcing cuts in education spending.

These cuts have affected student grants, making it increasingly difficult for those from less wealthy backgrounds to complete their university education.

Ana Garcia, secretary general of the Students Union, highlighted that on Wednesday when the new days of strike action were announced, criticizing the "increasingly serious attacks on public education," adding that universities should not expel "students for the crime of not having any money."