School Closure Shambles as Opposition Unites to Demand Pina’s Resignation

Opposition parties in Orihuela have called for Education Councillor Vicente Pina to resign following the closure of CEIP Virgen de la Puerta and the relocation of over 300 pupils. Students and teachers were forced to move classes to Molins and La Campaneta schools after structural issues closed the building. The decision came after confusion, with families protesting outside the school two days before term started.

The STEPV union said pupils would be transferred to alternative schools. Orihuela City Council announced urgent work would resume, asking the regional government to delay the start of term. However, classes would begin on Thursday instead. On Wednesday, the management confirmed the Territorial Directorate of Education ordered the relocation.

Ciudadanos spokesman José Aix described the handling as an "absolute disgrace" and demanded access to the full case file. The local government was accused of breaking promises and failing to plan properly. Councillor Quique Montero said officials knew since November the school was in poor condition, attempting temporary repairs with secured funding for a replacement school in 2019.

Other parties questioned the use of temporary schools, citing lack of classroom space, dining facilities, and transport issues. The union blamed municipal inaction for keeping the school open despite warnings of serious deficiencies. Families now face uncertainty over transport, catering, and division between temporary schools, with no firm timetable for returning or moving to a replacement building.