Escaldes-Engordany Leader Pushes Andorra for Unified Anti-Tower Stance

Rosa Gili, cònsol major of Escaldes-Engordany, has intensified her push for the Andorran government to adopt a clear, unified stance against high-rise towers approved under the 2018 urban plan, which carry acquired rights predating the construction moratorium. Speaking on Diari TV's *Parlem-ne* programme, she announced that the parish's ongoing urban plan review—the Pla d'Ordenació i Urbanisme Parroquial (POUP)—will cap new buildings at five storeys and create no additional zones for towers.

Gili reiterated that Escaldes-Engordany suspended construction on these pre-moratorium projects in 2024, ahead of formally starting the POUP review, which is now advancing alongside efforts in three other parishes. Ordino and Canillo have completed theirs following public consultations that underscored resident worries over unchecked building. Three further towers remain under construction at Clot d'Emprivat, required to meet 2023 POUP modifications such as freeing up 50-64% of street-level space. Two other plots have technical urbanism commission approval from the government, pending the parish's decision.

She voiced frustration over the executive's tepid response to her weeks-old proposal for joint action across parishes, government, and Consell General to block such developments, despite potential lawsuits from owners. "If they really don't want towers, they should help us," Gili said, rejecting claims that urban planning is solely a parish competency. She highlighted the government's role in load-capacity legislation and its national study, insisting the housing crisis and construction surge demand a national approach. "It's not acceptable to pass the buck to the parishes—it's everyone's responsibility."

On legal risks, Gili argued a collective position would bolster their case: "If we all agree, it strengthens us—no one saying yes while another says no." She questioned endless growth, asking directly: Do we want these towers? Do we want to keep expanding? Gili urged an end to ambiguous statements and called for parishes to stay "rolled-up sleeves," having heeded public concerns, but emphasized government backing is vital. She also proposed duplicating the Obac road as a "tunnel-like" solution with dual-level traffic to ease congestion, to be included in the new POUP.