Andorra la Vella Secures Junts Backing for 2026 Budget via Compromís Pact, Reports 2025 Surplus

Andorra la Vella council has secured Junts support for its 2026 budget through a new pact with Compromís, marking a shift in political alliances ahead of Thursday's plenary vote.

The agreement, described by Mayor Joan Barrera as "transversal," sees Compromís accept key Junts demands previously points of contention, including no further tax hikes on IBI, waste collection, or water amid inflation pressures. Junts spokesperson Jordi Fàbrega hailed the deal as responsible governance, noting it aligns with long-standing priorities on debt control—now at €12 million, up from €4 million earlier in the term—security, cleaning, and lighting. Commitments include vehicle license plate cameras at city entry points and conflict zones, three new municipal police officers, three additional cleaning staff for neighborhoods, and aid for sports clubs. Junts demanded only a one-off €18,000 boost to economic promotion grants, bringing that line to €50,000.

The budget totals nearly €27 million. ERC continues negotiations without public comment, while CUP—previously a government ally—criticized the figures as insufficiently social. Barrera maintained the numbers are social enough and talks persist, emphasizing realism given execution risks.

Separately, Andorra la Vella approved its 2025 accounts on Thursday with a €4,050,752 surplus. Expenses reached €52.12 million (84.66% of budget), revenues €56.17 million (91.24%). Investments hit €9.5 million liquidated (60.24% executed, up 25% from 2024), rising to €14.5 million with commitments. Debt fell to €14.3 million, treasury at €18.5 million. Finance councillor Quim Miró highlighted €21.6 million from fees exceeding targets, €15.7 million direct taxes, €8.3 million indirect, €4.9 million transfers, €0.7 million assets, €2.6 million financials. Personnel took €20.2 million, goods/services €19.1 million. Construction rights yielded 22.93% due to a two-year moratorium, though property deals rose.

Cònsol Major Sergi González called it proof of prudent yet ambitious management, with 60.2% investment execution and 92.4% commitments despite private construction and material costs. €5.5 million remnants, mostly capital, carry to 2026—yielding a €1.5 million deficit if included—despite opposition abstentions. Astrié decried 60% execution and reallocations as "governing in arrears," urging direct funding for Terra Vella housing over national policies seen as speculative. Housing councillor Marc Torrent defended diversification via public-private partnerships like Reviu.

In Canillo, the council closed 2025 Wednesday with a €2.04 million surplus: €23.4 million revenues, €21.36-23.36 million expenses (sources vary slightly). Investments executed at 51.2% (€7.76 million liquidated, €12 million authorized). Debt zero, treasury €6.45 million. Cònsol Major Jordi Alcobé stressed autonomy with €3 million current surplus and low construction reliance (€1.5 million, under 5% of revenues) amid 11-month licensing suspension. A €700,000 extraordinary credit funds pipes along the main road—tied to ongoing works—for a biomass plant at former Pla campsite, powering public then private buildings via local forest fuel. Tender for construction and management planned first-half 2027. Other approvals: €200,000 giant mural at Sella roundabout by Samantha Bosque, €300,000 extra snow removal, subsidies (€569,355 sports, €8,500 social), Tarter sidewalk repairs (€232,341).

Encamp approved near-€8 million 2025 surplus Thursday (€45.2 million revenues), with €10.7 million investments (up 45%). Debt €12.6 million. Cònsol Major Laura Mas cited controlled spending and construction/ITP gains. Avancem criticized insufficient housing push, like ITP cuts.