On Monday, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat became the center of attention across Catalonia as King Felipe VI arrived to congratulate residents on the city’s centennial. Over the past hundred years, L’Hospitalet’s population has grown from 20,000 to 280,000, a journey marked not only by growth but also by changes that have made the city the region’s second most important economic hub.
The visit began with an official ceremony at city hall. The king signed the guest book and spoke with members of the city council. Among the attendees were the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, and Mayor David Quirós. The atmosphere was formal yet warm, as the monarch called on residents to build a future founded on modernity, unity, and a high quality of life.
The city of opportunity
In his address, Felipe VI noted that L’Hospitalet’s success is closely linked to the development of neighboring cities. He emphasized that only shared growth can ensure prosperity for the entire metropolitan area. According to him, L’Hospitalet has “exceptional potential” that must be realized through collaboration and openness to change.
The king paid special attention to the topic of diversity. He recalled that throughout the twentieth century, families arrived here in search of stability and new opportunities. The monarch expressed his respect for those who worked to provide a better future for their loved ones, noting that such stories are at the core of the city’s success.
Modern-day challenges
After the official part of the visit, the king toured the La Florida 6.0 digital transformation center, located in the neighborhood of the same name. There, he again addressed the topic of diversity, emphasizing that harmonious urban development requires dialogue and mutual respect. Felipe VI warned against simplistic solutions and prejudice, noting that only complex yet balanced approaches can guarantee long-term stability.
In his speech, the monarch partially switched to Catalan, which was met with approval from the audience. He acknowledged that managing diversity is no easy task, but insisted that it is precisely this challenge that defines the spirit of the times. The king reminded listeners that L’Hospitalet is at a turning point, where the decisions made today will shape the future of the city and its residents.
Economic engine
Felipe VI singled out L’Hospitalet as one of Catalonia’s key economic drivers. The city is closely linked to the Barcelona airport, port, and the Zona Franca industrial area, making it an important transportation and logistics hub. The monarch emphasized that successful metropolises are built on the principle of “communicating vessels,” where the growth of one area contributes to the development of its neighbors.
To conclude his visit, the king once again addressed local residents, urging them not to settle for past achievements. He stressed that only through modernization, stronger connections, and a focus on quality of life can the city secure a worthy place in the future.
Public response
While the King was reviewing the achievements of L’Hospitalet, a protest organized by the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) took place near the La Florida market. About fifty people expressed their opposition to the monarch’s visit, but the protest remained peaceful and did not disrupt the official program.
