Andorra Opens Shops on Constitution Day Holiday to Boost Economy

Andorra's government authorised the exceptional opening of large retail outlets and franchises on Constitution Day, one of four mandatory public holidays, which fell on a Saturday this year. The measure aimed to boost the economy during the winter tourism season, prompting many smaller shops along Avinguda Carlemany and Avinguda Meritxell to follow suit despite subdued morning footfall.

While some businesses closed to observe the holiday, tourism and restaurant outlets largely stayed open, capitalising on weekend pedestrian traffic. Owners reported a steady but modest influx of visitors, with local traders noting it "worth opening" to capture winter shoppers. Tourists expressed confusion, often expecting closures on the national holiday. The openings extended shopping opportunities but highlighted tensions over labour practices.

Workers' views split along lines of nationality and tenure in Andorra. Longer-established locals voiced reluctance. Merchant La Rosa, a middle-aged Andorran, pointed to sector inequalities and urged legal mandates for universal closures, including tourism. Her workplace had not yet outlined compensation. Trader Carles questioned the need to work a symbolic day, despite extra pay: "We work every weekend in this tourism country—a bit of rest would help." Restaurant worker Pedro agreed it felt inappropriate and awaited pay discussions.

Recent immigrants, particularly from Argentina, took a more practical stance. Young worker Sol saw it as standard for a pedestrian zone: "It's a holiday but a weekend—normal to open, and I always work Saturdays." Humberto prioritised earnings: "I came here to work; double or triple pay suits me." Shoe shop employee Lola noted a festive atmosphere with flags but lighter workload. Strip workers Joan and Mercedes challenged the logic amid low demand: "No point just because it's a weekend; we'd have closed midweek, and tourists think everything's shut."

These differences underscore generational and origin-based divides, with rooted workers valuing rest and symbolism over recent arrivals' focus on income.

Susanna Vela, deputy president of the Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS), criticised the openings after the General Syndic's speech. She offered special congratulations to those on duty, adding: "We don't understand why a day like this is a workday for many." Vela committed the PS to preventing future occurrences.

Labour law mandates holidays on 1 January, 14 March, 8 September, and 25 December, with two compensatory days off if worked. Tourism sectors can shift dates by agreement but must remunerate these. Most interviewed workers lacked details on their compensation. The day now serves as a test for potential future holiday openings, pending sales data and worker feedback.