Madrid's Complutense: Graffiti, Filth and Political Clash
Complutense University of Madrid's Faculty of Political Sciences shows walls covered in graffiti and dirt. The debate mixes aesthetics, politics and education.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Complutense, a dump between graffiti and politics
The Faculty of Political Sciences at the Complutense University of Madrid appears in several tweets with walls covered in graffiti and dirt. The image, spread on social media, shows a deteriorated building that some compare to a "communist squat" and others to a drug den. The debate is not just aesthetic: for many, it reflects the state of public education and the type of politicians trained there.
Is it normal for a public university to look like this?
No, it is not normal. At least, it shouldn't be. The images show peeling paint, widespread graffiti and an environment some describe as unhealthy. "I've seen Callejeros reports on drug dens that were better cared for," says one participant. The comparison is not gratuitous: the dirt and neglect have become the symbol of a center that, according to various messages, has been a "Podemos dump" for decades. The criticism does not distinguish between left and right: some acknowledge that one can be left-wing without mistreating the university.
The state of the faculties: more than just dirt
The problem is not only the graffiti. Several messages point out that the interior of the faculties is lined with posters antiestéticaturing pogre and communist slogans. "The last time I passed by there, people were camping out protesting about Palestine," recalls a participant. Another adds that years ago a huge graffiti saying "They shall not pass" was already visible. The university has become a space of permanent activism, and for some, this explains the deterioration. They say responsibility lies with the dean and the rector, but no one dares to sanction the violent ones.
What is taught in Political Sciences?
According to some, the Faculty of Political Sciences is where future politicians who will govern Spain are trained. But not all future politicians come from there. One message points out that the real "future politicians" do not study Political Sciences: their life cycle is joining the youth wings of the PP or PSOE, becoming councilors while studying Law, and ending up as ministers via quota. The criticism is twofold: on one hand, the usefulness of the degree is questioned; on the other, it is denounced that those who really rule do not pass through these classrooms.
The university as a reflection of Spain
For many, what happens at the Complutense reflects what happens in Spain. "Leftism rots brains just as it rots buildings," summarizes one message. Others go further and demand the center be closed for indoctrination. The discussion drifts towards general politics: public spending on universities is criticized, calls are made for the right to take over universities and expel "lazy civil servants," and students are accused of being "daddy's boys" who pretend to be Marxists without having ever worked. The university thus becomes a cultural battleground.
The debate about the state of the Complutense is not new. It has been on the table for years. What may be new is the intensity with which aesthetic criticism is mixed with politics. Is the dirt a symptom of something deeper or just an unimportant detail? The question remains unanswered.
The Faculty of Political Sciences at the Complutense University of Madrid appears in several tweets with walls covered in graffiti and dirt. The image, spread on social media, shows a deteriorated building that some compare to a "communist squat" and others to a drug den. The debate is not just aesthetic: for many, it reflects the state of public education and the type of politicians trained there.
Is it normal for a public university to look like this?
No, it is not normal. At least, it shouldn't be. The images show peeling paint, widespread graffiti and an environment some describe as unhealthy. "I've seen Callejeros reports on drug dens that were better cared for," says one participant. The comparison is not gratuitous: the dirt and neglect have become the symbol of a center that, according to various messages, has been a "Podemos dump" for decades. The criticism does not distinguish between left and right: some acknowledge that one can be left-wing without mistreating the university.
The state of the faculties: more than just dirt
The problem is not only the graffiti. Several messages point out that the interior of the faculties is lined with posters antiestéticaturing pogre and communist slogans. "The last time I passed by there, people were camping out protesting about Palestine," recalls a participant. Another adds that years ago a huge graffiti saying "They shall not pass" was already visible. The university has become a space of permanent activism, and for some, this explains the deterioration. They say responsibility lies with the dean and the rector, but no one dares to sanction the violent ones.
What is taught in Political Sciences?
According to some, the Faculty of Political Sciences is where future politicians who will govern Spain are trained. But not all future politicians come from there. One message points out that the real "future politicians" do not study Political Sciences: their life cycle is joining the youth wings of the PP or PSOE, becoming councilors while studying Law, and ending up as ministers via quota. The criticism is twofold: on one hand, the usefulness of the degree is questioned; on the other, it is denounced that those who really rule do not pass through these classrooms.
The university as a reflection of Spain
For many, what happens at the Complutense reflects what happens in Spain. "Leftism rots brains just as it rots buildings," summarizes one message. Others go further and demand the center be closed for indoctrination. The discussion drifts towards general politics: public spending on universities is criticized, calls are made for the right to take over universities and expel "lazy civil servants," and students are accused of being "daddy's boys" who pretend to be Marxists without having ever worked. The university thus becomes a cultural battleground.
The debate about the state of the Complutense is not new. It has been on the table for years. What may be new is the intensity with which aesthetic criticism is mixed with politics. Is the dirt a symptom of something deeper or just an unimportant detail? The question remains unanswered.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (109 replies).
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