Address by Head of Government Xavier Espot on the occasion of Meritxell Day
Address by Head of Government Xavier Espot
Dear citizens,
Every 8 September, we gather around Our Lady of Meritxell, patron saint of the Principality of Andorra. It is a day that goes beyond religious celebration or tradition. It is a moment of collective reunion, gratitude towards those who came before us and, above all, confidence in the future that we are capable of building together.
Meritxell reminds us that some peoples are defined by the strength of their territory. Others, such as Andorra, are defined above all by the character of their people.
A people who have never taken anything for granted, who have known how to turn difficulties into opportunities and who have always understood that the future is each generation’s commitment to those that will follow.
We are living through an extraordinary era. Never before has humanity accumulated so much knowledge, such scientific and technological capacity or so many tools to transform the world. But this progress also requires us to make decisions that will shape the future of the generations to come.
Andorra faces momentous decisions. We must continue to make economic dynamism compatible with the preservation of our territory; ensure that young people can become independent and gain access to affordable housing; consolidate a more innovative, diversified and competitive economy; strengthen public services and ensure that they continue to meet our expectations.
We must also decide what role we want to play in a Europe and a world that are themselves undergoing profound change. Because true progress is not simply about growth. It is about ensuring that this growth translates into greater well-being, more opportunities and a better quality of life for everyone.
This year, this forward-looking perspective coincides with a particularly significant anniversary: the 50th anniversary of the new Sanctuary of Meritxell. Following the fire that destroyed the old sanctuary, Andorra knew how to transform an immense loss into an opportunity to create a new symbol of hope. That reconstruction was not merely architectural. It was also a collective affirmation of confidence in ourselves.
Perhaps this is one of the most valuable lessons and metaphors that Meritxell offers us. Societies move forward when they know how to preserve their roots without ceasing to look towards the future.
When they remain faithful to their values while adapting to changing times. When they understand that loving a country also means preparing it so that future generations can find even more opportunities there than those we had ourselves.
I am convinced that Andorra will continue to do so. Because if our history has taught us anything, it is that this country has always known how to bring out the best in itself at decisive moments. We have done so throughout the centuries, and we will continue to do so in the face of the challenges ahead.
This is the confidence that I would like to share with you all today: confidence in an Andorra that will remain sovereign and open to the world without ever relinquishing its identity; prosperous, cohesive and supportive; proud of its past, but even more excited about the future it is capable of building.
True to its history, Andorra has never progressed by closing itself off from the world, but by opening up to it with confidence while always preserving what makes us unique. This same attitude must now enable us to approach the major debates about our future with calmness, ambition and confidence in ourselves.
I wish you all a very happy Meritxell Day.