Spanish university students strike due to politicians' academic 'scandals'

Spanish university students strike due to politicians' academic 'scandals'
By Claire HeffronMarta Rodríguez
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University students at the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid are demanding the resignation of the rector due to 'numerous scandals'

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The student community of the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid (URJC) has called for a strike on 27 September to demand the resignation of the rector, Javier Ramos, over "the numerous scandals" that are damaging the image of the university.

Students are outraged at the former rector, Fernando Suárez, who is accused of allowing plagiarism and alleged irregularities of the master's degrees studied by Cristina Cifuentes, Carmen Montón and the leader of the People's Party, Pablo Casado.

In a statement released on Twitter, in which seven student associations called on the university to act on their demands including the resignation of Ramos; a complete inspection of the university; the regeneration of its governing bodies; and the requirement of an external investigation.

The students of the URJC also fear for the loss of value of their degrees due to the reputation.

Francisco Molina, a representative of the Public Res students' association, told Euronews that they expect many students to join the strike and he expects a large turnout.

"Well, the truth is that it seemed that this was going to calm down, but nothing is further from reality, we have the same concern as last year, although ultimately we know that the titles do not give it to us and it costs us money and effort to get them out," he said.

However, while the students are mobilized, the URJC continues to fill headlines due to resignations and investigations.

The supreme court in Madrid has opened an investigation regarding the master's degree obtained by Casado, the People's Party president and a member of Congress, as it is alleged he never attended lectures and did not complete the degree.

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