Hundreds Protest Andorra Rent Decontrol Law as 'Programmed Expulsion' Amid Soaring Prices

**Andorra la Vella** – Around 200 people gathered Tuesday evening at Plaça del Consell General to protest the government's proposed rent decontrol law for 2027, which protesters from the Andorran Housing Union (SHA) branded a "programmed expulsion" amid average rents of €26 per square meter, a 27% rise since 2013. The 7:30 p.m. rally featured a manifesto reading, open-mic testimonies from healthcare workers, young Andorrans unable to move out, pensioners, and families, plus chants against speculation. SHA spokesperson Rebeca Bonache warned that decontrol tilts the balance toward landlords, with tenants already leaving rather than waiting. "People aren't waiting for 2027—they're packing bags and going," she said, highlighting impacts on long-term residents including low-income pensioners, youth, and rooted families, not just immigrants.

The volunteer-led, politically independent SHA renewed calls for rents tied to income, indefinite contracts, a public property registry, mandatory mediation, and no-fault eviction bans. Participants set May 16 for a larger demonstration, aiming to push for a comprehensive housing law and extended amendments despite parliamentary progress. The event garnered backing from Unió Sindical d’Andorra (USdA) leaders Gabriel Ubach and Joan Torra, with Ubach likening the trajectory to Monaco, where €1,500 earners face €2,000 rents and commute from abroad. PS lawmaker Pere Baró described decontrol as "social suicide" without Law 24/2023 reforms.

The rally coincided with amendment deadlines under that law, which expired Wednesday. The Social Democratic Group (PS) submitted a full rejection motion, warning of an "unprecedented crisis" for workers due to insufficient public housing, absent price indexes or registries, unclear affordable housing rules, and government unreadiness. Debate is expected around April 30, though outright rejection appears unlikely; PS is preparing article-by-article changes. Andorra Endavant sought a 7.5-day extension to craft balanced amendments boosting supply for workers, youth, and retirees while safeguarding tenants. Concòrdia leaders Cerní Escalé and Núria Segués called the bill a "political survival law" stoking speculation, with sales up 28% to €6,080 per square meter. Their proposals cap hikes above €12.90 per square meter at inflation, let compliant tenants stay, ban certain evictions, impose 30-40% taxes on short-term flips, and allow low-rent contracts below parish benchmarks to rise gradually over five years.

Andorra la Vella deputy consul Olalla Losada, halfway through her term, reported 55% program fulfillment from a "zero" housing base. She outlined progress stabilizing Jovial public units—addressing unpaid rents, illegal sublets, and protocols limiting costs to 33% of pensions—through public-private partnerships despite urban limits, plus a new regulation for communal properties like Jovial and Calones. Losada stressed public-private collaboration and called for constructive opposition critiques, noting two years spent imposing order at Jovial, including dissolving a society to transfer it to the parish.

AGIA president Jordi Ribó backed swift decontrol following IMF guidance, allowing abuse-free renegotiations since "not everyone fits in Andorra." He foresaw La Seu d'Urgell and nearby French towns forming Andorra's metropolitan area, pointed to pre-2019 data shortages, fewer vacancies than claimed, and errors like notices to occupied units, preferring full decontrol over gradual freezes that deter investment.

In La Massana, officials are assessing fiscal incentives such as construction tax waivers or reduced rental income taxes to spur private affordable rentals, alongside government tenders. Consul menor Roger Fité stressed national coordination to avoid public-private competition, especially in downturns.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal defended the bill as "balanced and tenant-focused," with phased decontrol hitting 20-25% of contracts in 2027 and incentives to retain current tenants. Head of Government Xavier Espot expressed family empathy but cited public park expansion and evictee options. Casal rejected full liberalization or permanent freezes, emphasizing parliamentary review and public education on benefits despite protests. The government views the law as progressive, affecting 25% of contracts initially with price limits, and plans no changes now that it is in parliamentary process.