In Spain, questions of transparency and trust in government institutions are once again under discussion following the appointment of María Mateo Feito as deputy director of the deputy prime minister’s cabinet. This decision has drawn public attention due to her involvement in a controversial case of obtaining a master’s degree without attending classes, a scandal that previously sparked criticism of the country’s education system and official appointments.
The situation is especially sensitive because it concerns a master’s degree in regional law from King Juan Carlos University (URJC), where Cristina Cifuentes previously obtained a similar qualification. At that time, the investigation led to court convictions for faculty and officials, and cast doubt on the legitimacy of several government appointments. According to OKDIARIO, María Mateo Feito was among those who received a degree without completing academic requirements, a fact confirmed by her classmates and court documents.
Career and connections
Despite the scandal, María Mateo Feito has an impressive professional background. She graduated with honors from the economics faculty of Universidad Carlos III and has worked in various government bodies, including economic departments and advisory roles in previous administrations. Her appointment coincided with the promotions of other members of the team led by Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, who recently became deputy prime minister.
Within the structure of the Spanish government, the positions of deputy directors of the vice-presidents’ offices are equated to the rank of director-general, underscoring the significance of this appointment. However, it is María Mateo Feito’s background and her links to the ‘gifted’ diplomas case that once again raise questions about the selection criteria for leadership roles in public institutions.
Judicial details
Judicial records on the URJC case show that a group of students, including María Mateo Feito, did not attend classes or submit written assignments, yet still received their diplomas. The investigation concluded that university staff and administrators granted these students special conditions not available to others. Nevertheless, the criminal case was closed due to a lack of evidence of a crime, although the court acknowledged clear favoritism.
Particular attention has focused on María Mateo Feito’s mother, María Teresa Feito, who worked as an advisor in the Madrid government and maintained close relations with the university. She was convicted for her role in falsifying documents related to Cristina Cifuentes’ thesis defense. According to OKDIARIO, these connections may have played a key role in her daughter earning her degree.
Reaction and consequences
The appointment of María Mateo Feito sparked a wave of criticism among experts and the public, as it reignited questions about transparency and fairness in personnel policies. That same year, two other officials holding high-ranking positions in other regions of Spain received similar degrees. Judicial authorities acknowledged that all of them were among the “selected” students who were granted exceptional conditions for obtaining their degrees.
At the same time, the investigation into other participants, including former Partido Popular leader Pablo Casado, was closed due to a lack of evidence of a crime. However, the Supreme Court noted that such practices could undermine trust in educational and state institutions, even if they do not violate the penal code.
Context and emerging questions
Notably, María Mateo Feito’s appointment coincided with the release of new information about Carlos Cuerpo’s own doctoral thesis. According to OKDIARIO, his work showed signs of self-plagiarism and a lack of theoretical foundation, raising further questions about the quality of academic standards among senior officials.
In recent years, Spain has faced a series of scandals involving the forgery or questionable acquisition of academic degrees among politicians and civil servants. Such cases have already led to resignations and court proceedings, as well as a review of accreditation procedures at universities. Analysis by russpain.com indicates that public pressure and media scrutiny are becoming key factors in uncovering and preventing such violations.
Recalling recent events, it is worth noting that in 2024 a similar scandal erupted over the diplomas of several regional officials, prompting a large-scale review of all master’s programs at public universities. Dozens of cases were uncovered in which diplomas were issued without actual study. These investigations served as a catalyst for reforms in the education quality control system and stricter requirements for candidates for government positions.
