Else Beekman
Madrid’s regional government, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, plans to impose steep fines on unauthorised protests at public universities. The draft university law proposes sanctions ranging from €15,000 to €100,000 for disruptive protests, with some violations carrying penalties up to €1 million.
The draft Law on Higher Education, Universities and Science (LESUC) directly targets unauthorised protests on Madrid university campuses. The law would fine “unauthorised demonstrations that prevent peaceful authorised activities”. Occupying university buildings or blocking access to facilities would also trigger sanctions.
Steep penalties for banners and occupations
The proposed fines apply not only to protests but also to unauthorised banners. Fines range from €300 to €15,000 for placing banners without permission or removing official ones. Heavier sanctions up to €100,000 would cover media obstruction, campus occupations, and intimidation of university staff or visitors.
Influenced by US-style campus measures
Ayuso’s draft echoes actions seen in the United States under President Donald Trump, particularly against universities like Harvard and Columbia during pro-Palestinian protests. Similar debates on free speech and academic freedom have emerged in Madrid.
Very serious offences carry million-euro fines
More severe violations could lead to fines between €100,000 and €1 million. These include failing to guarantee pluralism, freedom of expression and academic freedom. Other offences include censorship, discrimination, impeding police action on campus, running unauthorised courses, falsifying documents, or hosting illegal referendums.
Universities themselves may also face sanctions for not preventing unauthorised actions, raising concerns about institutional autonomy in Madrid’s public universities.
Legal experts warn of vague language
Legal experts warn that parts of Ayuso’s law are dangerously vague. Joaquín Urías, constitutional law professor at the University of Seville, says in El País that the broad wording allows for political interpretation and undermines legal certainty. Only courts, not politicians, should rule on constitutional violations, Urías stresses.
Possible conflicts with national laws
The draft may conflict with existing Spanish legislation, such as the University Coexistence Law (2022) and the Public Employee Statute (1986). Unlike Catalonia or the Basque Country, Madrid introduces unprecedented regional powers over campus discipline.
Ayuso defends new university sanctions
The regional government claims the law has been under discussion with university leaders since 2024. Madrid officials accuse El País of misrepresenting the draft and insist it aligns with national law. According to the Ayuso administration, the law “protects freedom of expression, assembly, participation, and academic freedom” while ensuring university autonomy.
Student group Libertad sin Ira influences law
The conservative student group Libertad sin Ira, linked to the Popular Party (PP) and Vox, claims credit for pushing the sanctions. In social media videos, its leaders highlight their role in shaping Madrid’s university law during meetings with education officials.
Political tensions over Madrid universities
Ayuso has repeatedly accused Madrid’s public universities of being dominated by the political left. In 2023, she claimed: “The entire left has colonised Complutense University.” Rectors strongly rejected her remarks, defending the universities as spaces of debate, plurality and academic freedom.
University leaders have also criticised the regional government’s financial pressure on Madrid’s six public universities, accusing Ayuso of undermining their autonomy through both funding cuts and legal restrictions.
Rising tensions on Madrid campuses
The university law comes amid rising political tensions on Madrid campuses, including recent student protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, which have drawn strong responses from the regional government. The Education Minister, Emilio Viciana, previously warned rectors about protests affecting campus operations, arguing that “a balance must be found between free expression and harassment of public figures.”
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