Pablo Iglesias Ends Teaching Tenure at Complutense University
Pablo Iglesias, the former Vice President of Spain and leader of Podemos, has recently announced that he will not continue in his role as a professor at Complutense University of Madrid . Iglesias has been teaching in the Faculty of Political Science and Administration but mentioned that the prospects for securing a teaching position for the coming academic year are slim.
His statement reads: “The next year, probably, I will not continue to be a professor of political science at the Complutense.” Iglesias had applied for three teaching positions to cover subjects ranging from the Spanish political system to political actors , but the selection committee indicated that other candidates had superior professional qualifications.
While the hiring process is ongoing, with personal interviews still to take place, Iglesias expressed his concerns about the outcome: “The winners of the positions are already defined based on the scores given by the committee. I will attend the interviews to complete the process, but, as I say, the committee’s scores will not change much.” This sentiment reveals Iglesias’s disappointment over how the selection criteria were evaluated.
In 2022, Iglesias secured his associate position, which he noted benefited from a different evaluation process that valued his professional experience more favorably. In his message to the public, he expressed a sense of nostalgia about his teaching years: “I have enjoyed teaching. These years I have taught subjects like political actors in the Master of Political Analysis and have taught Comparative Policy and Global Governance in various degrees.” He described these experiences as “wonderful,” emphasizing the personal growth and professional training that came with them.
Iglesias also expressed gratitude towards his colleagues in the faculty, the administrative staff, and especially the students, from whom he has learned a great deal. “I would have loved to continue teaching in a very special faculty for me, but things are as they are,” he regretted, indicating that he values both the past opportunities and the relationships built during these years.
Despite this setback, Iglesias remains active in academia. He will continue to lead the Superior Diploma of Media Education and Political Communication at the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), a reputable non-governmental international organization. He also plans to develop a virtual course focusing on political and strategic analysis, targeted at students and political leaders from both Spain and Latin America, incorporating contemporary techniques in professional audiovisual communication.
“Being a policy teacher is my primary vocation, and I will try, as always, to turn frustration into a driving force for more ambitious projects,” Iglesias stated confidently. He ended his message on an optimistic note, expressing gratitude to the students who have accompanied him throughout his beautiful teaching journey, while also signaling his intent to continue developing courses in the future.
In conclusion, Pablo Iglesias’s departure from the Complutense University marks a significant transition in his career, but it also opens the door to new opportunities in the realm of political education and communication. As he continues to advocate and educate, his journey remains a testament to resilience and dedication in academia.