A new debate has erupted in Spain over education after the daughter of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez enrolled at the private Catholic ESIC University. The event comes as the government is tightening regulations on private universities—a move already drawing criticism from education sector representatives.
Carlota Sánchez Gómez opted for a double major in Business Administration and Marketing, studied in English. The institution, located on the outskirts of Madrid, is known for its religious emphasis and is run by the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Although ESIC University is not a commercial enterprise, new government standards are putting the future of such smaller institutions at risk.
The government has recently enacted a decree imposing stricter rules on private universities. Now, to open and operate such institutions, a certain number of students, a wide range of academic programs, and significant financial guarantees are required. Many believe these measures could force smaller, specialized universities to close because they may not be able to meet the new criteria.
Interestingly, it’s not just the Sánchez family that prefers private education. It was previously revealed that the children of other prominent politicians also attend private schools, despite their public criticism of the system. This has raised questions in society about double standards and the true motives of politicians who speak out against private education but choose it for their own children.
Public reaction and the future of private universities
Dissatisfaction with the new regulations is growing within the educational community. University representatives believe the government is artificially restricting the development of the private sector by introducing requirements that are difficult for smaller institutions to meet. Even some ministries and autonomous communities have opposed the new rules, calling them excessively strict and unfair.
ESIC University, where the prime minister’s daughter studies, has already begun adapting to the new conditions, although it does not yet meet all the criteria for student numbers and academic activity. The university’s administration hopes that within the allotted six years they will be able to meet all requirements and maintain their independence.
The Sánchez family has chosen private Catholic educational institutions before. The prime minister himself graduated from a private college with a degree in economics, and his wife also studied at ESIC. The head of government’s brother received his education at another prestigious private university in Madrid.
Double standards or personal choice?
The situation involving Sánchez’s daughter once again raises questions about the gap between politicians’ public statements and their personal choices. Amid reforms that could significantly reshape higher education in Spain, the prime minister’s family’s decision has become a focus of debate and criticism. Many are asking: if even the country’s leaders prefer private universities, is the pressure on this sector truly justified?
Meanwhile, ESIC University continues its operations, and students—including now the prime minister’s daughter—are preparing for a new academic year in a climate of uncertainty. Spanish society is closely watching how the situation unfolds, waiting to see how the education system will change in the coming years.
