Andorran Businesses Demand Layoffs and Rent Aid Amid Pas de la Casa Landslide Crisis

Business owners in Pas de la Casa continue to press the Andorran government for temporary layoff schemes (ERTOs) and rent relief as the RN-20 landslide closure persists, with new weather-related border restrictions looming over the weekend.

French authorities, through the South-West Interregional Roads Directorate (Dirso), are considering a full closure of access roads to Pas de la Casa from Friday evening until Sunday morning due to adverse weather forecasts. This would affect the RN-22 main route and RN-320, alongside bans on vehicles over 19 tonnes on key stretches including the RN-20 until Monday evening. The government is holding talks with French officials to avert a total shutdown, with updates expected midday Friday. Separate closures already impact heavy vehicles and sections like RN-320 from Col de Pormenaz to La Croisade.

The crisis, now in its second week, has led to sharp revenue drops, with some retailers reporting losses up to 90% compared to last year, particularly day-trip businesses reliant on French visitors. Tobacco shops estimate 70-80% declines, while small outlets struggle to pay suppliers, prompting some to return invoices. Tourism faces cancellations for February and March groups, and seasonal workers are leaving due to fixed costs. Ripple effects hit suppliers, with some autonomous providers losing 80% of Pas-dependent income. French border areas like Tarascon-sur-Ariège report 35-60% falls, prompting local mayors to seek emergency funds.

Finance Minister Ramon Lladós acknowledged the "evident economic impact" from reduced border traffic but declined to quantify losses, citing a lack of precise estimates. He stressed aid aims to limit job cuts, noting high seasonal staffing in peak winter, and outlined evolving measures over the next three months. Impacts vary: day excursion outlets suffer most, while longer-stay businesses hold up better. Large chains adapt by shifting staff to Andorra la Vella or Escaldes-Engordany; small shops remain vulnerable.

In Thursday's meeting with Encamp consuls Laura Mas and Xavier Fernàndez, Lladós and Territory Minister Raül Ferré detailed Wednesday's package: CASS rebates, deferred IGI payments, €30 weekly fuel vouchers for Occitanian vehicles, and French tourist attraction efforts. Encamp added up to €2 million, including €1.5 million in direct monthly aid post-closure, 50-100% rebates on business registration taxes and hygiene fees based on 25-50%+ revenue drops, and free shuttle buses to L'Hospitalet (12 daily services, jointly funded).

Business representatives, including Confederació Empresarial Andorrana president Gerard Cadena and Empresa Familiar Andorrana's Daniel Aristot, called measures insufficient, urging immediate soft loans with guarantees, ERTOs targeted at 1-10 employee firms, rent freezes or subsidies, and redirecting fuel vouchers to local spending. Pas merchants' association head Òscar Ramon and Council member Gerard Pifarré echoed demands, warning of psychological strain and pandemic-like effects—though not a full 2019-style blockade. Tobacco union president Raül Calvo deemed aid a "band-aid on a deep wound," planning a February 25 review.

Ministers responded receptively, committing to study proposals at next week's Pas-hosted Council of Ministers. Ferré, after Tuesday's site visit, reported round-the-clock French work on 300-1,200 cubic metre rockfalls, with anchoring, netting, and potential detours once secured; he plans biweekly checks. Businesses welcomed France's resource commitment via emergency budgets.

Opposition party Concòrdia praised initial aid but highlighted sector doubts on adequacy, urging risk assessments on RN-20 (Ax-les-Thermes to border), RN-116, and N-145, plus a 6-7 year investment plan with France and Spain under the 2022-2026 viability accord. They called the undetected landslide "alarming" on this economic lifeline generating ~20% of GDP, demanding diplomatic priority.

PS councillor Susanna Vela viewed measures as a starting point, open to extraordinary credits if needed. Encamp pledged ongoing dialogue via the economic council.