Ayuso gives urgent explanations in the Asamblea after Viciana's departure

Isabel Díaz Ayuso has asked to appear urgently before the Assembly of Madrid to clarify the reshuffle at the Department of Education. The Madrid regional president will explain the departure of Emilio Viciana and the arrival of Mercedes Zarzalejo, who until now had been Deputy Minister for Universities, Research and Science.

The request to appear, covered by Article 208.1 of the Assembly Regulations, has already been sent to the Speaker of the Chamber, Enrique Ossorio. The announcement coincides with the official publication of Viciana's dismissal and Zarzalejo's appointment in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid.

Emilio Viciana, former Minister for Education, Science and Universities, has said that he personally requested his departure from the regional government. He thanked Ayuso for the opportunity to be part of her team and highlighted the challenges faced during his term of office.

The political earthquake does not end there. Three PP deputies have tendered their resignations from the Assembly following Viciana's departure. They are Pablo Posse, the party's Education spokesperson; Carlota Pasarón, responsible for Youth; and Mónica Lavín, in charge of Family and Social Affairs. The resignations have already been officially registered with the regional parliament.

Pablo Posse was the first to announce his departure, saying that there would be more exits from the Department of Education. He mentioned the directors-general for Universities and Secondary Education, Nicolás Javier Casas and María Luz Rodríguez de Llera Tejeda, as possible departures. Sources consulted indicate that not all dismissals will be voluntary, as Zarzalejo will form her own team.

The legislature, which began in June 2023, has already seen more than a third of deputies relinquish their seats. Of the initial 135 parliamentarians, 49 no longer occupy their seat. The atmosphere in the Assembly is one of the utmost expectation ahead of the next moves.