Wave of Spanish politicians edit CVs over incorrect claims of degrees and diplomas

It began as a confession by a rising star in Spain’s conservative People’s party that her CV was not quite all it seemed. Last month Noelia Núñez, 33, a member of the PP’s steering committee, was forced to admit she had never in fact completed her double degree in law and public administration. She apologised and stood down – a move rarely seen in the country.

Since then, however, Núñez’s contrition seems to have launched a trend, with a wave of mea culpas from politicians of various parties rushing to revise – downwards – their educational achievements. Some have even resigned, emulating Núñez, who said: “I apologise to anyone who feels disappointed but I also believe it’s not enough to say sorry.”

This week Ana Millán, a senior figure in Madrid’s PP-run regional government, became the latest to admit there were errors in her official CV, downgrading a degree in political science to a diploma in public administration.

Ignacio Higuera, a member of the far-right Vox party in the Extremadura regional government, had to back down on claims he had a degree in marketing when reports emerged that the university in question had not offered the course at the time. He has resigned.

José María Ángel, a Socialist party member overseeing recovery efforts after the disastrous flooding in Valencia last October that left 220 dead, also stepped down after it was alleged he had faked a degree in order to get a civil service job.