In the capital of Andalusia, conflict is escalating over plans to privatize cleaning services in educational facilities. Mayor José Luis Sanz faces a wave of protests that have already led to the evacuation of the city hall's council chamber three times. Municipal workers have announced an occupation strike and demonstrations during the upcoming Holy Week celebrations, arguing that the changes will worsen working conditions and service quality.

City Council Paralysis

Chairman Manuel Alés ordered the evacuation of the council chamber three times due to aggressive protests by workers in the cleaning sector.

Announcement of City Blockade

Trade unions plan an occupation strike on the main square and protests during key Holy Week events.

Legal Conflict and Threats

Councilor Blanca Gastalver filed a report with the public prosecutor's office regarding a hate crime after attacks on her property and person.

The situation in Seville is becoming increasingly tense, and the dispute over the management model for cleanliness in public schools has moved from office rooms to the streets. The city's mayor, José Luis Sanz from the People's Party, is pushing a plan for externalization of cleaning services, which has met with fierce opposition from trade unions and parents of students. During the last city council session, chairman Manuel Alés was forced to order a full evacuation of the Salón Colón when protesting workers repeatedly interrupted speeches by government representatives. For over a decade, Seville has been grappling with systemic problems regarding cleanliness maintenance in public buildings, which has repeatedly become the axis of political disputes in the Andalusia region.Trade unions have already announced a mobilization calendar, which includes an indefinite strike and the establishment of a camp on Plaza Nueva. Protesters also plan to disrupt the traditional Easter message, aiming to exert maximum pressure on the city council. The situation is exacerbated by reports of incidents targeting councilors. Blanca Gastalver, responsible for education, has expanded her report to the public prosecutor's office in connection with new acts of vandalism and hateful graffiti that appeared after a previous escrache incident. Support for Privatization in the City Council: For: 15, Against: 14 City authorities argue that privatization is the only way to fix an inefficient system that has been generating complaints from residents for years. Meanwhile, the opposition and workers' committees warn that this is a step towards dismantling public services. „The decision to externalize stems from the need to provide children with decent learning conditions, which the current system cannot guarantee.” — José Luis Sanz This dispute reflects a broader trend in Spanish local politics, where the center-right seeks to optimize costs through cooperation with the private sector, encountering strong resistance from pro-social movements. 10 years — cleanliness maintenance problems in Seville's schools persist Emphasizes the exploitation of workers by private companies and the destruction of the public sector by the right-wing administration. | Highlights the necessity of repairing years of neglect and the right of officials to work without intimidation and aggression.

Mentioned People

  • José Luis Sanz — Mayor of Seville pushing plans to privatize cleaning services.
  • Blanca Gastalver — Councilor for education in Seville, target of protests and personal attacks.
  • Manuel Alés — Chairman of the Seville City Council responsible for meeting order.
  • Ignacio Flores — Security delegate who also fell victim to public harassment.