Madrid, February 17 – The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has today appointed Mercedes Zarzalejo Carbajo as the new Regional Minister of Education, Science and Universities for the autonomous government. The Decree formalizing her appointment will be published tomorrow, Tuesday, in the regional Official Gazette (BOCM).
Zarzalejo Takes Over with a Record Budget
Zarzalejo (Madrid, 1976), who succeeds Emilio Viciana, served as Vice-Minister of Universities, Research and Science for the Community of Madrid since October 2025. Her new role places her at the helm of a department with a historic budget of 6,959 million euros for 2026, representing 22.7% of the total regional budget. This budget also includes record figures for scholarships, study grants, and public education teachers. Specifically, the budget for public universities in Madrid has increased by 6.5% this year.
Extensive Academic and Political Background
The new Regional Minister holds a doctorate in Law from the University of Córdoba, a degree in Law from the Complutense University, and a diploma in Advanced Studies in Labor and Social Security Law from the Carlos III University of Madrid.
Her professional career is closely linked to the education sector, including her work as a teaching and research staff member at various universities and stays at European university centers. Zarzalejo has also been a member of the School Council of the Community of Madrid and the Education Commission of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP).
Beyond her academic and educational roles, Zarzalejo has a significant political background. She served as mayor and councilor of the San Martín de Valdeiglesias City Council from 2015 to 2023 and as a deputy in the Assembly of Madrid from 2023 to 2025.
Diverse Talents: A Background in Dance
In addition to her impressive academic and political career, Mercedes Zarzalejo is also trained in Spanish Dance from the Royal Conservatory of Dance of Madrid and in Classical Ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance in London, showcasing a diverse range of talents and interests.
A New Era for Education in Madrid
Zarzalejo’s appointment marks a new phase for the Regional Ministry of Education, Science and Universities. With a substantial budget and a focus on scholarships and educational support, the Community of Madrid aims to further strengthen its public education system and university sector. The increase in the budget for public universities underscores the regional government’s commitment to higher education and research.
This strategic appointment by President Díaz Ayuso is expected to bring fresh perspectives and continued development to Madrid’s educational landscape, building upon the foundations laid by her predecessor and leveraging her extensive experience in both academic and governmental spheres.
The official publication of the decree tomorrow will formalize her position and allow her to immediately begin her responsibilities in leading one of the most crucial departments in the regional government.
Source: https://www.comunidad.madrid/noticias/2026/02/16/diaz-ayuso-nombra-mercedes-zarzalejo-consejera-educacion-ciencia-universidades
