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Madrid considers taking Valencia school inspection reform to Constitutional Court

The Spanish Government is considering referring parts of Valencia’s accompanying legislation on Inspección educativa to the Tribunal Constitucional. Trade unions say it amounts to political control of teachers.

The Spanish Government is reviewing several sections of the Generalitat Valenciana adopted by the Ley de Acompañamiento 2026 on Inspección educativa to the Tribunal Constitucional . The move follows complaints from teachers about a risk of being left without legal protection, as well as fears that the new requirements for checking “neutralidad ideológica” could lead to arbitrary interference in lessons. Government sources said they were analysing possible action on the grounds of “indefensión” for the staff concerned.

The changes to Inspección educativa were incorporated into the Ley de Acompañamiento in August 2026. According to their proponents in the Consell they are intended to safeguard teaching quality and prevent alleged “adoctrinamiento”. Critics argue that school inspection is being politicised. Several trade unions, including STEPV, CCOO and UGT, describe the new rules as a “policía política” that could intimidate teachers and constrain educational decisions. They point to an increase in reports and submissions from schools in the Comunitat Valenciana.

The debate touches on sensitive constitutional and education law issues: the regional government has extensive powers over school administration, but academic freedom and protection from disciplinary action without sufficient grounds are fundamental rights with constitutional status. The central government also has the Alta Inspección Educativa as a tool for monitoring compliance with state minimum requirements. Trade unions and teachers’ associations say they have lodged complaints with it.

A possible case before the Tribunal Constitucional would determine whether the Valencian provisions are proportionate and respect the division of powers between the state and the autonomous communities. Such a step requires a formal decision by the Spanish Government and compliance with statutory deadlines. Until then, the provisions of the Ley de Acompañamiento remain in force unless suspended by court action.

Politically, the dispute adds to the already tense situation in education in the Comunitat Valenciana. In recent weeks, trade unions and education campaign groups have organised rallies and demonstrations. The Consell is standing by the reform and cites its responsibility for an “ideologically neutral” school environment. The central government has signalled its willingness to talk, but stresses that taking the matter to the Tribunal Constitucional cannot be ruled out if doubts about fundamental rights and areas of competence persist.

Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).

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