La Caixa’s century‑long influence examined in new book by Rafa Burgos

Journalist and historian Rafa Burgos has released a new book, «La Caixa. Una historia nunca contada» (Spanish) – also titled «La Caixa. Una història mai no explicada» – published by Editorial Pol·len. After more than four years of archival work and dozens of interviews with former executives, workers, historians and specialists, the author traces the evolution of La Caixa from its 1904 foundation as a pension fund for workers to its current status as one of Spain’s most powerful financial and social institutions.

Burgos argues that La Caixa is a systemic entity that shapes the economy, politics, culture and large parts of the social fabric through a complex network of relationships. The book covers little‑known episodes such as the institution’s early ties to the monarchy, its role during Catalonia’s procés, involvement in preferential shares, housing projects, and its international expansion. It aims to provide the first critical, comprehensive history of an organisation that has long influenced Catalan and Spanish life.