> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # PP Plans Spanish Boost in Catalan Schools - URL: https://barna.news/pp-plans-spanish-boost-in-catalan/ - Published: 2026-10-26T07:50:50.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-26T07:50:50.000Z - Description: The People's Party proposes increasing Spanish in Catalan classrooms to 50%, inspired by the Galician model, if it wins power on 29 November. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: education ## PP Bets on Galician-Style Language Shift The People's Party (PP) in Catalonia is preparing to introduce a significant shift in the region’s school language policy if it assumes power following the 29th November 2026 elections. Drawing inspiration from the Galician model implemented under former regional leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the PP’s plan would require at least 50% of teaching hours to be conducted in Spanish, a move that could fundamentally alter Catalonia’s long-standing linguistic immersion system. Currently, Catalan serves as the primary language of instruction, with schools operating under a model designed to ensure all students achieve fluency in both Catalan and Spanish. However, courts have already accepted demands from various groups to raise Spanish instruction to 25% in some centres. The PP’s proposed expansion to 50% mirrors the system in Galicia, where a 2010 decree imposed equal weighting between Spanish and Galician, effectively halting progress in strengthening the co-official language. ## Controversial Model Criticised in Galicia In Galicia, the PP’s policy has been widely criticised by language experts and advocacy groups. Henrique Monteagudo, president of the Royal Galician Academy, described the measures introduced by Feijóo as "clearly regressive", marking a sharp departure from previous administrations that supported stronger use of Galician. Marcos Maceira, spokesperson for the platform *Queremos Galego!*, called the consequences "catastrophic" for the language’s presence in education. Under the Galician model, core subjects such as mathematics are taught exclusively in Spanish, reinforcing a diglossic structure where Spanish dominates academic and professional domains. Critics warn a similar approach in Catalonia could marginalise Catalan in key subjects and weaken students’ proficiency over time. --- ## Internal Contradictions and Political Tensions The PP’s stance faces internal contradictions. Xavier García Albiol, mayor of Badalona and head of the PP’s list in Catalonia, recently acknowledged a "very serious problem" due to the "retreat" of Catalan and called for action to reverse the trend during an interview with RTVE. His comments sparked backlash from Spanish nationalist groups, highlighting divisions within the broader political spectrum. Meanwhile, the Catalan PP leadership claims its approach is based on flexibility and bilingualism, citing a 2018 report by then-ERC education minister Josep Bargalló. That document recommended adjusting language use based on a school’s linguistic environment, strengthening Spanish in Catalan-dominant areas and boosting Catalan in Spanish-speaking ones. PP sources say this supports their call for a 25% minimum in either language, with autonomy for schools to decide the rest. However, critics argue that using an ERC minister’s report to justify a move toward 50% Spanish instruction misrepresents its intent. Bargalló himself denied his proposal undermined immersion. ## What This Means for You Parents, educators, and students in Catalonia should anticipate potential changes to language policy if the PP wins the 29th November election. The party’s national leader, Feijóo, has framed the issue as one of "guaranteeing Spanish", but the practical effect could be a significant reduction in Catalan’s role in classrooms. The final decision would depend on the election outcome and the extent to which national policy intervenes in Catalonia’s education system, which is currently devolved. --- *Sources:* [*Ara*](https://en.ara.cat/politics/the-pp-prepares-to-promote-spanish-in-school-following-the-report-of-an-erc-councilor%5F1%5F5890512.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [25% of Barcelona Schoolchildren in Vulnerable Situations](https://barna.news/25-of-barcelona-schoolchildren-in/) - [Students Demand Later School Start and Education Reform](https://barna.news/students-demand-later-school-start-and/) - [Catalonia Keeps Kindergarten Whiteboards with Restrictions](https://barna.news/catalonia-keeps-kindergarten/) - [Updated: Catalan Teachers Vote on New Strike Days](https://barna.news/catalan-teachers-vote-on-new-strike-days/)