In Catalonia, President Salvador Illa has said the school year will start normally in September, despite a new teacher strike across the region.
Speaking on 9 June, Illa said he respected the right to strike, but asked that Pope Leo XIV's visit to Catalonia go ahead with “the greatest normality”.
The strike came after teachers rejected a government agreement. That deal, reached with the USTEC union, was meant to add resources beyond an earlier pact with the minority unions CCOO and UGT, which had angered parts of the education community.
Illa told TV-3: “Of course we will have a start to the school year, and we hope things can get on track in the best possible direction.” He said the government wanted to agree with unions on how to apply the signed agreements and pre-agreements, and described the proposal rejected by teachers as “very relevant, with many resources”.
He added: “We continue with an outstretched hand and with the will to deploy a historic agreement to improve education.” Illa also said he respected teachers and their work, and understood the changes taking place in education.
The government says improving education remains a priority, and talks with teacher unions are expected to continue before September. For more Catalonia coverage, see our news page.