Overview

• Lydia Espina stepped down on June 2, citing overwhelming emotional strain and personal attacks that she said had undermined any possibility of respectful dialogue.
• In her resignation letter to President Adrián Barbón, she warned the dispute could erode public confidence in an education system currently leading national and international rankings for equity and academic success.
• Teacher unions reported 46% participation in an indefinite strike of infant and primary schools, with pickets in Oviedo demanding the restoration of reduced student hours and improved conditions for temporary staff.
• With no permanent replacement named, Vice President Gimena Llamedo and Finance Councillor Guillermo Peláez have assumed Espina’s responsibilities on an interim basis.
• Negotiations between union leaders and regional officials began on June 2 to address long-standing staffing, resource and labor demands during ongoing strike action.