Ester Molné

Person

Andorra Endavant Demands Public Spending Review After La Querola Fire

The opposition group seeks optimization of public agencies and staff shifts to vital services, arguing the recent blaze exposes gaps in Andorra's constrained budget amid claims of adequate fire response readiness.

Other•4 Related•Sept 22, 2026 • 08:15

Fire Destroys La Querola Residential Development in Ordino

A massive early-morning fire razed the entire La Querola development in Ordino parish, Andorra, prompting a large-scale response from regional fire services to contain the flames.

Andorra Male Prison Officers' Salaries Surge 33%, Creating 16% Gender Pay Gap

Interior Minister Ester Molné disclosed figures showing male agents' salaries growing over three times faster than female counterparts, flipping prior parity into a significant disparity at La Comella penitentiary.

Andorra's Top Judge: New Magistrates Cover TSJ Needs, More May Be Needed

Two new substitute magistrates were sworn in to Andorra's Supreme Court of Justice, meeting immediate needs, though the president warns more reinforcements might be required for the legislative court amid ongoing challenges. He pushes for long-term planning and reforms.

Andorra Advances Temporary Immigration Permit for Construction Projects

The government is drafting legal changes to enable temporary quotas for specific building projects, helping firms manage peak labor needs without permanent hires. Officials met with employers over summer to address delays from reduced quotas.

Business•2 Related•Aug 26, 2026 • 20:00

Andorra Approves Foundation Registry Reforms to Boost Transparency and Fight Money Laundering

The reforms mandate registration of ultimate beneficial owners, official emails, notarised patron deeds, and stricter timelines to modernise operations and combat financial crimes effectively.

Other•3 Related•Aug 26, 2026 • 19:00

Andorra Appoints Firefighter Veteran as New Fire Prevention Director

Experienced firefighter Joan Josep Barrio López takes helm of Andorra's fire service, with a deputy appointed and six new hires—including a record three women—set to bolster the brigade to 124 members.

Politics•3 Related•Aug 14, 2026 • 13:45

Andorra Faces Liability for Compensation in 10 Gender Violence Cases

A recent law reform makes the Andorran executive responsible for victim compensation when perpetrators default on payments. Ten cases now qualify, amid 22 total condemnatory resolutions since the change took effect.

Politics•3 Related•Jul 29, 2026 • 15:45

Andorra Appoints First Substitute Magistrate Amid Judicial Shortages

Víctor Correas Sitja was sworn in as Andorra's first substitute magistrate to address gaps in the criminal chamber caused by retirements. The Superior Council of Justice eyes long-term staffing plans and a new personnel law.

Politics•3 Related•Jul 29, 2026 • 15:00

Andorra Minister Expects Body Cameras for Traffic Agents Soon

Andorra's government is close to approving body cameras for traffic agents after resolving pilot paperwork hurdles. Deployment hinges on parish-specific approvals and potential law tweaks.

Politics•2 Related•Jul 24, 2026 • 14:30

Andorra Minister Urges Festival Alcohol Limits After Escaldes Disturbances

Andorra's Interior Minister Ester Molné recommends parish councils implement preventive measures like alcohol curbs and entry checks following crowd-related issues at a recent festival. Police managed response effectively with two targeted arrests.

Other•3 Related•Jul 24, 2026 • 14:30

Knife Brawl and Needle Prick Scare End Escaldes-Engordany Festival Early

Two arrests marred the event in Andorra: a knife-wielding fight and unconfirmed needle incident on a young woman, prompting early closure amid safety worries.

Business•4 Related•Jul 23, 2026 • 12:00

Andorra Telecom Activates Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite for iPhone Users

Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite is now live across Andorra, enabling iPhone and Apple Watch users to reach rescuers in remote areas without cellular or Wi-Fi. The rollout integrates with national systems amid mountainous terrain challenges.

Politics•3 Related•Jul 21, 2026 • 18:00

Escaldes-Engordany Mayor Pledges Heightened Security for Festa Major After Encamp Fights

Following recent brawls at Encamp's festival, Escaldes-Engordany officials are ramping up police presence, traffic alerts, and volunteer support to ensure a safe, family-oriented event.

Business•5 Related•Jul 17, 2026 • 20:00

Andorra Tourism Faces Staffing Shortages Despite Extra Work Permits

Andorra boosts seasonal work permits by 250 slots to address tourism labor gaps amid near-zero unemployment, yet businesses struggle to hire willing skilled workers. Campsites report mixed impacts.

Politics•4 Related•Jul 17, 2026 • 07:30

Andorra Parliament Unanimously Raises Sexual Consent Age to 16, Toughens Penalties

Unanimous vote raises sexual consent to 16, equates online child exploitation penalties to prostitution, and bolsters anti-corruption tools while modernizing prisons with rehab focus and reduced pretrial detention.

Business•2 Related•Jul 14, 2026 • 14:34

Andorra Business Chief Blames EU Entry/Exit System for Summer Labor Shortages

Andorra's business leader attributes this summer's worker shortages to the new EU Entry/Exit System requiring proper documentation, amid steady quotas and rising economic demand in hospitality.

Politics•2 Related•Jul 13, 2026 • 14:45

Andorra Justice Minister Unveils Reforms to Curb Duty Solicitor Abuses

Ester Molné's draft law allows lawyers to reject baseless claims in the duty system, saving taxpayer money. It also modernizes CSJ staffing, budgets, and procedures to enhance judicial efficiency.

Business•2 Related•Jul 13, 2026 • 14:30

Andorra to Decide on Expanding Summer Immigration Quota Wednesday

Businesses requested more permits after the 500-slot summer quota filled rapidly. Ministers will review staffing needs data on Wednesday before approving any increase up to 650.

Culture•2 Related•Jul 12, 2026 • 21:15

Andorra Ordains First Local Deacon in 16 Years at Packed Sant Esteve Church

Carlos Steve Rosas Portela became Andorra's first resident deacon ordained since 2008 during a capacity crowd at Sant Esteve church. The rite by Bishop Serrano marks a revival of local vocations amid pastoral strengthening efforts.

Politics•2 Related•Jun 28, 2026 • 06:35

Ordino Bolsters Security for Roser Festivals After Encamp Assaults

Authorities in Ordino parish implement robust measures including 12 guards and early vendor closures for the Roser festivals amid safety worries from recent Encamp violence.

Politics•2 Related•Jun 27, 2026 • 07:00

Two Men Jailed for Assaults on Councillor and Friend at Encamp Festival

Prison terms handed down after incidents involving Andorran Democrat councillor Pere Marsenyach and his acquaintance, amid violence by local group El Bloque at the festival.

Politics•2 Related•Jun 26, 2026 • 07:45

Only 3 Women in Command Roles Among Andorra's 285 Police Officers

Andorra's police force has stark gender imbalance, with females comprising 11% overall but only 3% of command posts. Interior Minister Ester Molné shared data amid questions on staffing, salaries, and aging vehicle fleet.

Other•3 Related•Jun 26, 2026 • 07:15

Private Foundation for Support and Inclusion Appoints Thaïs Mingorance as New Director Amid Growth

The foundation reported expanded support through inclusive programs and daily workshops at its latest Honour Board meeting. President Trini Marín praised the progress toward greater equity and well-being.

Other•2 Related•Jun 24, 2026 • 13:15

Youth Suffers Fractured Jaw in Encamp Festa Clash with Security Guard

A heavily intoxicated 21-year-old suffered severe facial injuries after a security guard allegedly punched and pinned him during a brawl at Encamp's Festa del Poble. His family accuses excessive force by the guard from a firm with prior issues, as police probe the incident amid other assaults.