Minister Advocates for Budget Increase
On Wednesday 09 September 2026, Catalonia's Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Esther Niubó Cidoncha, called for a significant increase in education spending. Speaking as part of her ongoing engagement with the education sector, Niubó emphasized the need for sustained investment to strengthen public education. The Department of Education and Vocational Training, under the Generalitat de Catalunya, has identified educational improvement, equity, and vocational training as its three strategic priorities through 2028 (Department of Education and Vocational Training - Gencat).
'Progressive' Implementation Pushed
Niubó defended a "progressive" approach to implementing reforms, aligning with government plans approved under the 2024–2027 Generalitat framework. She highlighted recent budget approvals that have enabled reinvestment after years of underfunding, particularly in school infrastructure and support for diversity in classrooms. Over the summer, Niubó held more than 100 meetings with school leadership teams across Catalonia to address widespread discontent following 23 strike days by education staff in recent months (El Periódico, EFE reporting).
We are in an important moment because, thanks to the approval of budgets, investments are being made that were lost after years of disinvestment.
She acknowledged ongoing issues, including teacher absenteeism coverage, bureaucratic burdens, and the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in secondary education.
Focus on Teacher Support and Resources
During the consultations, school directors raised concerns about resource allocation for inclusive education and reducing administrative tasks to allow more classroom time. Niubó confirmed that streamlining substitute teacher procedures and modernising digital systems are active departmental priorities. She reiterated the government’s commitment to the recently agreed education pact, despite opposition from some unions, and stressed that improving teacher recognition and working conditions remains central to long-term reform (Govern.cat executive profile). Parents, educators, and school administrators can access services and updates via the Department of Education portal.
Primary sources: eb.gencat.cat, govern.cat. Reported by EFE, larioja.com, en.ara.cat, David Expósito J, elmon.cat, elpais.com, Europa Press Barcelona.
