La Seu d'Urgell Mayor Rejects Role as Andorra's Housing Overflow Container

The mayor of La Seu d'Urgell, Joan Barrera, has warned that his city can no longer serve as a catch-all for housing pressures spilling over from Andorra. Speaking amid a sharp population surge, Barrera stressed that each administration must handle its own challenges, with the capital of Alt Urgell refusing to act as a "container" for neighboring issues.

The town has seen its population jump by more than 10% in recent months, driven largely by residents displaced from Andorra due to soaring housing costs. This influx is straining local resources and has spread to other communities in the area. City officials have formally raised their concerns with Andorra's government, acknowledging steps taken in the Principality to curb price inflation but insisting La Seu has reached its limit for absorbing more newcomers.

Barrera's comments, reported by RTVA, come as the municipality grapples with unprecedented demographic pressure. While Andorran authorities work to stabilize their housing market, the mayor called for greater shared responsibility to prevent further spillover effects on Catalan border towns.