University Meritocracy Under Scrutiny: The Rey Juan Carlos Case

University meritocracy under scrutiny after the Rey Juan Carlos case

The debate over whether university degrees are earned through merit or connections has resurfaced. A recent exchange of opinions in an economic analysis forum has focused on Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and professor Covadonga Torres, though the underlying issue goes further: it is the complaint of those who feel the system is corrupted by cronyism.

The cases that feed the perception of favoritism

References to well-known cases are inevitable. The master's degree of Cristina Cifuentes, former president of Madrid, which ended in her resignation, or the doctorate of Pedro Sánchez, which according to some reports was written by his team, are examples cited to argue that politics seeps into academia. Begoña Gómez, the president's vvife, and her relationship with the university are also mentioned. These episodes have generated a narrative that degrees are given away in exchange for political loyalty.

The frustration of those without connections

The title of the debate is telling: "Not having studied at Rey Juan Carlos with professor Covadonga Torres has screwed up my life." It is an irony that reflects the feeling that, without contacts, academic effort does not translate into opportunities. The discussion, though with an unconstructive tone, hints at a real discontent: the perception that meritocracy is a mirage.

The analysis gets stuck on the lack of concrete data. There are no figures or studies demonstrating the extent of the problem, only anecdotes and rumors. Meanwhile, the public university remains the stage where the competition for power is played out.