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Andorra Leader Urges Respect for Housing Protest During Macron Visit

Andorra's head of government Xavier Espot emphasizes respect and pacifism for a Housing Union protest planned during French President Macron's visit as co-prince. The action targets the government's rental deregulation amid a severe housing crisis.

Key Points

  • Xavier Espot calls for peaceful demonstrations ahead of Emmanuel Macron's co-prince visit next week.
  • Housing Union to protest in Plaça del Poble against rental deregulation bill exacerbating housing crisis.
  • Union highlights crisis undermining dignity and stability; government defends bill as balanced consultation outcome.
  • Espot views housing as domestic issue; expects Macron awareness but no intervention.

Xavier Espot, Andorra's head of government, has called for respect and pacifism ahead of a planned protest by the Housing Union during French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit as co-prince. Speaking to media on Sant Jordi day in Andorra la Vella, Espot said demonstrations are legitimate if conducted with courtesy, adding that everyone shares responsibility to welcome the co-prince appropriately.

The Housing Union plans to gather in Plaça del Poble during Macron's speech next week to highlight public discontent over the housing crisis and the government's rental market deregulation proposal for 2027-2030. The group has sent letters to representatives of the co-princes—Macron and Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat—stressing that the action stems from free expression rights, not institutional disrespect. They describe the crisis as undermining human dignity, life stability, and the ability to live in the country, criticising the law for failing to address root causes or protect tenants, potentially leading to higher prices and residential displacement.

Union spokesperson Rebeca Bonache, after a meeting with Housing Minister Conxita Marsol, urged citizens to attend peacefully, holding signs or making noise to alert Macron to the issue. Marsol reportedly acknowledged their right to protest but confirmed Democrats for Andorra would not amend the bill or adopt the union's demands, suggesting they approach other parliamentary groups.

Espot described housing as a purely domestic matter for the executive and legislature, expecting Macron to mention it given its prominence among national challenges, though without direct intervention. He defended the government's bill as the result of broad consultation, advocating partial, gradual deregulation to balance interests without fully satisfying any side. Government spokesperson Guillem Casal echoed support for the protest if within legal bounds, noting no major police changes anticipated and that authorisation is an administrative process handled by Interior and police.

The union warns of rising social tensions if demands for affordable, stable housing go unheeded, likening risks to levels unseen since 1993, and plans further actions including a May 16 mobilisation. Opposition parties and Andorra la Vella's council have expressed respect for the right to demonstrate.

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