Andorran Teens Show Strong Attachment to Catalan Language and Identity

Lisa Cruz, president of the Fòrum de la Joventut, has observed a strong attachment to Catalan and Andorran identity among teenagers aged 15 to 20, a shift that could help counter recent declines in the language's everyday use.

Speaking to Diari d'Andorra ahead of the youth forum's assembly, which began this week and runs until 8 March, Cruz highlighted findings from consultations on the National Youth Plan. She noted that this age group shows particular sensitivity toward protecting the environment, local traditions, and popular festivals. "It gives us some optimism," she said, pointing out that younger adolescents resist the automatic switch to Spanish often seen among those in their 30s and mid-30s. Despite the dominance of Spanish and English content on social media, Cruz emphasised a clear commitment to Catalan and Andorran culture in participatory spaces.

This perception contrasts with broader trends. The most recent linguistic survey, conducted by Andorra Recerca+Innovació (AR+I) in 2022 and presented by former Culture Minister Sílvia Riva, revealed mixed results among 747 people aged over 14. Catalan use rose at home (from 30% to 38%), with friends (25.4% to 29.5%), and at work (33.4% to 36.3%). However, public-facing sectors lagged: in restaurants, exclusive Catalan service fell to 22% from 23%; in bars and pubs, to 15%; and in large stores, to 10%, while Spanish attention increased in each.

Gabriel Ubach, secretary general of the Unió Sindical, criticised what he called political hypocrisy in enforcing Catalan-language laws, following a recent Economic and Social Council meeting. He called for stricter oversight and penalties to protect the language and workers' rights, noting that private gains have not extended to commercial settings.

Upcoming measures include a new linguistic survey in 2026 and a school-specific study in 2028, as approved by the National Language Council last December under its 2026-2028 action plan. Public transport showed one bright spot, with Catalan service rising from 20% to 33%.

Cruz, who has led the forum for two years, announced she is stepping down for personal reasons and to enable generational renewal. She urged greater attention to youth voices, stressing: "Youth are not the future; youth are the present."