Andorran Businessman and Ex-General Councillor Josep Anton Ribes Dies at 84

Josep Anton Ribes Roca, a former General Councillor for Andorra la Vella and businessman, died on Sunday at the age of 84.

His passing marks the loss of a key figure who linked business leadership with politics during Andorra's institutional transformation. Ribes served two notable terms in the General Council: 1990-1992 in the pre-constitutional era, and 1994-1997 following the 1993 Constitution's implementation. During his first stint, he chaired the Legislative Commission on Economy, Finance and the EEC amid major economic and institutional shifts. In his second term, he took office under the new framework and, at the January 1997 constitutive session, swore to uphold the Constitution while joining colleagues in nominating Òscar Ribas Reig for head of government.

Ribes advanced the family Roca & Ribes group over decades in fuels, commerce, import-export and related sectors. Born in 1942, he helped grow the 76-year-old enterprise, now led by his three daughters—though two died earlier this year. Operations include a 2,000-square-metre store on Avinguda Meritxell in Andorra la Vella and the Sant Bernat tourist apartments in Canillo.

He represented Andorra la Vella for the Agrupament Nacional Democràtic (AND), alongside figures such as Ladislau Baró, Jordi Mas, Joan Travesset, Gilbert Saboya, Josep Dallerès (general syndic), Miquel Aleix (deputy syndic), Jordi Torres and Òscar Ribas Reig, who led the government until Marc Forné Molné's confidence vote victory in December 1994. Ribes departed office on 2 January 1997.

Later, he stayed engaged through GESCO, the group for former syndics, General Councillors and communal councillors, and helped establish the Andorran Chamber of Commerce.

A private farewell ceremony is planned, with no public wake.