L’Hospitalet Mayor David Quirós has declared a new era of autonomy for the city, stating that key decisions impacting its future are now made locally.
In a wide-ranging interview marking the city’s centenary, the mayor outlined his vision for tackling security, infrastructure, and economic challenges while asserting L’Hospitalet’s independence from Barcelona’s influence.
L’Hospitalet Mayor outlines centenary vision and local priorities
Celebrating both the city’s 100th anniversary and his own 18-month tenure, Mayor Quirós emphasised the importance of local leadership.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
He stated that strategic projects like the Granvia tunnel and the new biomedical hub are now led by L’Hospitalet’s council. Consequently, this represents a significant shift from previous decades where decisions were often made elsewhere.
Security remains a primary concern for residents, according to the mayor. He acknowledged public anxiety but pointed to recent progress. Furthermore, the municipal police force has expanded with 27 new officers joining this year, and six more have been recruited with twenty additional candidates in training.
The city has also resolved a longstanding conflict with its urban guard. An agreement has been ratified by 90% of the force, improving working conditions. Additionally, a major cleaning contract renewal will bring over 150 new vehicles and 4,000 containers to the streets in coming months.
Regarding political challenges, Mayor Quirós expressed concern about rising far-right populism in metropolitan areas. He argued that effective public policies addressing citizens’ needs are the best defence against extremist narratives. Therefore, his administration focuses on delivering tangible improvements to residents’ quality of life.
Major infrastructure projects signal transformation
Several transformative projects are underway that will reshape L’Hospitalet’s landscape. The Granvia tunnel project, recently agreed with Catalan President Salvador Illa, represents what the mayor calls a “country-level” initiative. Similarly, the planned biomedical hub and Fira Barcelona developments promise significant economic benefits.
The ambitious Samontà Plan, budgeted at €350 million, aims to regenerate five northern neighbourhoods. However, initial funding has drawn criticism, with only €15 million committed so far. The mayor defended the approach, stating that funding would increase gradually to match execution capacity.
Transport improvements feature prominently in the city’s plans. The La Torrassa transport interchange will enhance connectivity, while discussions continue with the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) regarding bus service improvements. These developments come as transport fares across the region are set to increase next year.
Mayor Quirós maintains regular contact with his three predecessors, including former mayor Núria Marín. He acknowledged the difficult circumstances of her tenure during the 2008 financial crisis, which he said continues to influence current challenges. This historical context informs his administration’s approach to governance.
Looking ahead to municipal elections in 18 months, the mayor expressed confidence in his administration’s direction. He emphasised L’Hospitalet’s identity as a city of workers and diversity, built through successive waves of migration. The centenary celebrations, therefore, serve both to honour this history and project a future of local empowerment.
According to the original interview with El Periódico, Mayor Quirós remains committed to ensuring L’Hospitalet leads its own development. This local decision-making approach represents a fundamental shift in how Catalonia’s second-largest city manages its affairs and plans its future.
Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and news!
TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | X
Source: Read original article
