The autonomous government of Madrid is grappling with its most serious internal crisis since the beginning of its term. Following the dismissal of Education Minister Emilio Viciana, a series of immediate resignations by high-ranking officials and members of the People's Party has occurred. At the center of the controversy is the figure of Antonio Castillo Algarra, the unofficial mentor of a group called 'Los Pocholos,' whose influence on the region's education policy has led to a paralysis in work on the new higher education law.

Resignation of Minister and Officials

The dismissal of Emilio Viciana triggered the resignation of two director-generals and three parliamentarians, paralyzing work on education reform.

End of Influence for a Grey Eminence

Antonio Castillo Algarra, mentor of the group 'Los Pocholos,' left his position at the Spanish Ballet after his influence on the ministry was revealed.

New Strategy for Universities

New minister Mercedes Zarzalejo announced abandoning the previous bill and prioritizing a new funding model for universities.

The Community of Madrid has become the arena for a fierce factional clash within the ruling People's Party (PP). The escalation of tensions was triggered by the regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, dismissing education advisor Emilio Viciana. This decision set off an avalanche of resignations, which included two director-generals and three deputies in the Madrid Legislative Assembly. The main reasons for the resignations were the lack of progress on the university law and the growing conflict over the funding model for public universities. The new minister, Mercedes Zarzalejo, has taken office with the task of completely overhauling the existing legislative projects. The Spanish system of autonomous communities grants regions broad powers in education and health, meaning local crises in these ministries directly impact the political stability of the entire country.The key figure in the crisis is Antonio Castillo Algarra, a playwright and former artistic director of the Spanish Ballet, referred to by the media as the 'Rasputin' of Madrid politics. He is said to have exerted informal, yet decisive, influence over a group of young officials and politicians disparagingly called 'Los Pocholos'. His radical views, including opposition to the bilingual system and sharp criticism of feminism, sparked resistance within the party. Algarra has also resigned, symbolically ending the period of his shadow dominance. Meanwhile, trade unions and students are concerned about the state of school infrastructure, demanding real changes, not just personnel reshuffles at the top. „This is a deeper problem than it seems; it's a question of how far the rabbit hole goes in the model of education management in Madrid.” — Pedro VallínMinisters: 1, Director-Generals: 2, PP Deputies: 3, Artistic Directors: 1 Political analysis indicates an attempt by Ayuso to regain control over a key ministry that had fallen into the hands of an ideological faction incapable of professional administration. Media reports suggest the Madrid Assembly is preparing for stormy sessions where the opposition will demand explanations regarding the informal influence of third parties on the legislative process. This situation casts a shadow on the image of Isabel Díaz Ayuso as a leader capable of maintaining unity within her political camp ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.

Mentioned People

  • Isabel Díaz Ayuso — President of the Community of Madrid, who carried out a government reshuffle.
  • Emilio Viciana — Dismissed advisor for education, science, and universities.
  • Antonio Castillo Algarra — Playwright and informal advisor who resigned from his position as director of the Spanish Ballet.
  • Mercedes Zarzalejo — New collaborator of Ayuso appointed to the position of education minister.