Agreement between some organizations that protested against the educational reform and the government was reached in Madrid on 29 November. The FERE (the main association of Spanish private schools subsidised by the State, of which there are some 2200) says it is “reasonably satisfied” by the accord, which introduces some changes into the reform, which was contested by thousands of people during a public demonstration in the capital on 12 November. The Spanish Parliament approved some amendments, accepting the 12 proposals that the FERE had presented to the government. The main amendment concerns the freedom of choice of school, which is guaranteed. The State further pledges to increase the funds for private schools, and to subsidise kindergartens for the 3-6 age group, while as far as religious education is concerned the situation preceding the Aznar reform (which never came into force) continues to hold good, namely “compulsory offer” in all schools but optional for children. The associations that organized the recent protest rally in Madrid remain sceptical, however, and call the amendments “sticking plasters”.
