Two prominent councillors from L'Hospitalet de Llobregat's municipal government, Olga Gómez and Cristina Santón, are set to resign officially this June. Both members of the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), which governs Catalonia's second-largest city alone, cited family health problems as the reason for their departure. This significant development occurs less than a year before the next municipal elections, a period demanding intense commitment from government officials.
Cristina Santón held the influential position of Deputy Mayor for Transformative City. This was one of only four deputy mayoral roles within L'Hospitalet's executive. She carried substantial responsibility for projects aimed at boosting the city's economic development and growth. Santón also oversaw critical and sensitive areas, including education. Issues such as classroom saturation, insufficient facilities, and a lack of resources have been a constant source of complaints from residents for many years.
Olga Gómez served as the councillor for District II, encompassing the neighbourhoods of Collblanc-la Torrassa. Following a municipal executive restructuring in 2025 by Mayor David Quirós, she also assumed responsibility for District III, which includes Santa Eulàlia and Granvia Sud. Additionally, Gómez maintained her role as adjunct councillor for Life Cycles, operating within the broader Rights City Area. Local executive sources confirmed both councillors made this decision as an act of responsibility, acknowledging the accelerated agenda and high demands of their government roles.
Opposition Raises Concerns
The main opposition party, Republican Left of Catalonia-United and Alternative Left (ERC-EUiA), offered a different perspective on these resignations. In a statement, they asserted that analysts cannot view these resignations in isolation. ERC-EUiA argued the city currently faces "an evident crisis of government." They also cited "a paralysis of municipal management" and "a growing incapacity to respond to the daily problems of residents."
The opposition also strongly criticised the current organisational structure of the municipal government. They specifically highlighted that "the current organisation of the municipal government is wrong." Mayor David Quirós had reduced the number of district councillors to just three, assigning each to two of the city's six districts. ERC-EUiA labelled this decision "simply unmanageable" for a city as large and complex as L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.
Executive Dismisses Crisis Claims
However, the local executive firmly rejects any suggestion of a government crisis. Municipal sources, confirming reports by La Vanguardia, maintain that the resignations stem exclusively from the personal family health challenges faced by each councillor. David Quirós took over as Mayor of L'Hospitalet following the departure of Núria Marín.
The departure of two experienced councillors, particularly so close to upcoming municipal elections, could affect the continuity of city projects and administrative stability. The PSC government now faces the immediate challenge of appointing replacements for these key positions. They must also ensure the smooth continuation of their agenda in the critical period leading up to the polls.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
