200 Rally in Andorra Against Rent Decontrol Law Amid Soaring Prices

**Andorra la Vella** – Around 200 people rallied Tuesday evening at Plaça del Consell General against the government's proposed rent decontrol law set for 2027, calling it a "programmed expulsion" as average rents hit €26 per square meter, up 27% since 2013. Andorran Housing Union (SHA) spokesperson Rebeca Bonache told the crowd the gradual approach fails to protect tenants, warning of immediate tenant exits among pensioners unable to cover costs, youth unable to move out, families with deep roots, healthcare workers, and long-term Andorrans—not just recent arrivals. "People aren't waiting for 2027; they're packing their bags and leaving," she said during the event, which included a manifesto reading, open-mic testimonies, chants like "Govern, listen, the people revolt," and support from Unió Sindical d’Andorra (USdA) leaders Gabriel Ubach and Joan Torra, plus lawmakers from PS and Concòrdia.

The politically independent, volunteer SHA reiterated demands for income-linked rents, indefinite contracts, a public property registry, mandatory mediation, and no-fault eviction bans without housing alternatives. Participants fixed May 16 for a larger demonstration to press for a full housing law, parliamentary extensions on amendments, and consideration of their counterproposal. Ubach likened the path to Monaco, where low earners like €1,500/month workers face €2,000 rents and commute from abroad, urging action before families "grab their bags and go." PS lawmaker Pere Baró called decontrol "social suicide" absent Law 24/2023 tools.

The rally came as amendment deadlines under that law expired Wednesday. The Social Democratic Group (PS) filed a full rejection motion, citing insufficient public housing, no price indexes or registries, vague affordable housing definitions, and government unreadiness, risking an "unprecedented crisis" for workers. Debate is slated around April 30, though rejection seems unlikely; PS plans article-by-article changes. Andorra Endavant requested a 7.5-day extension for balanced amendments boosting supply for workers, youth, and retirees while protecting tenants.

Concòrdia leaders Cerni Escalé and Núria Segués labeled the bill a "political survival law" fueling speculation, with sales up 28% to €6,080 per square meter. Their amendments cap hikes above €12.90 per square meter at inflation rates, allow compliant tenants to stay, ban certain evictions, impose 30-40% taxes on short-term flips, and phase low-rent contracts below parish benchmarks to market levels over five years.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal defended the "balanced, tenant-focused" bill, with phased decontrol affecting 20-25% of contracts in 2027, price limits, and incentives to keep current tenants. Head of Government Xavier Espot expressed family empathy but highlighted public housing options for evictees. Casal rejected full liberalization or permanent freezes, stressing parliamentary process and public education on benefits, with no changes planned now.

AGIA president Jordi Ribó endorsed swift decontrol per IMF advice, noting "not everyone fits in Andorra" and predicting La Seu d'Urgell and nearby French towns as Andorra's metropolitan area. He cited data gaps pre-2019, fewer vacancies than claimed, and errors like notices to occupied units.

In La Massana, officials are evaluating fiscal incentives like construction tax waivers or reduced rental income taxes to encourage private affordable rentals, preferring private over public supply to avoid competition in downturns, Consul Menor Roger Fité said. Andorra la Vella deputy consul Olalla Losada reported 55% progress on housing programs from a "zero" base, including Jovial unit stabilizations via public-private partnerships.