Xavier Espot

Person

Politics•4 Related•May 30, 2026 • 07:16

Andorra's Espot Signs Tax Pact with Austria, Tours Vienna and Bratislava

Andorra's head of government advanced bilateral ties by signing a tax avoidance deal with Austria and engaging on urban housing, OSCE commitments, and EU progress during visits to Vienna and Bratislava with Slovak leaders.

Andorran Drivers Flock to Spain for Cheaper Fuel as Prices Undercut Local Stations

Queues form at La Seu d'Urgell's Esclatoil amid 20-cent-per-litre savings, prompting warnings from fuel importers over lost revenue and government inaction.

Politics•5 Related•May 23, 2026 • 22:48

Andorra Rental Deintervention Bill Advances with Minimal Changes Despite Opposition Fury

Andorra's government pushes forward a bill to gradually liberalise the rental market, ending mandatory contract extensions amid fierce opposition protests over insufficient dialogue and tenant safeguards. Two minor amendments remain pending.

Politics•5 Related•May 23, 2026 • 09:31

Andorra Government Prepares Aid for 2022 Tenants Facing 2027 Rental Risks

Andorra's Head of Government Xavier Espot announced plans for targeted support to protect tenants with 2022 contracts expiring in 2027 from sharp rent increases under the new deregulation law advancing in parliament.

Politics•3 Related•May 22, 2026 • 19:32

Andorra's Espot Slams Opposition Over EU Deal Misinformation, Defends Path Forward

Xavier Espot highlighted complexities in Andorra's EU talks after an EFTA impasse, rejecting opposition calls for renegotiation as unrealistic. He endorsed the government's housing reforms and hinted at DA leadership options without rushing.

Other•3 Related•May 22, 2026 • 17:01

Three New Agents Join Andorra's Fire Corps After Oath Ceremony

Andorra bolsters its Fire Prevention, Extinction and Rescue Corps with three new agents amid retirements. The hires are part of efforts to reach 124 staff, with Minister Molné praising their vocation and public safety role.

Politics•5 Related•May 22, 2026 • 06:32

Portugal's PM Urges Andorra to Seal EU Deal Before Brussels Priority Shift

Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro pressed Andorra to conclude its EU association agreement swiftly during a visit, citing EU investment and risks from delays. Andorra's leader pledged a post-EU approval referendum amid opposition calls for an earlier vote.

Politics•4 Related•May 21, 2026 • 05:34

Portugal's PM Montenegro Opens Consulate in Andorra, Signs Security Pact

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's visit marked the opening of a new consulate and a security cooperation deal with Andorran leader Xavier Espot. He rallied the local Portuguese diaspora and backed Andorra's EU association amid strong bilateral ties.

Business•4 Related•May 19, 2026 • 07:16

Andorra's Xavier Espot Praises Canary Islands' ZEC in Gran Canaria Talks

Andorra's head of government Xavier Espot visited Gran Canaria to strengthen ties with Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo. Leaders focused on high-value sectors and shared strategies to overcome tourism dependency and boost competitiveness.

Sports•4 Related•May 18, 2026 • 06:17

Nahuel Carabaña Wins Men's 5km at Andorra's Cursa Popular Illa Carlemany

The 15th edition matched past turnout levels as one of Andorra's biggest mass events, organized by government ministries to boost health and community. Prizes went to top federated, non-federated, and child runners amid eco-friendly practices.

Politics•4 Related•May 17, 2026 • 06:32

Housing Protest to Disrupt Andorra la Vella Traffic and Bus Routes

Andorra Mobility warned of temporary road closures and bus diversions on May 16 as a housing protest marches through central Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany.

Sports•3 Related•May 15, 2026 • 06:03

Andorra Honours Winter Olympians at Official Reception

Xavier Espot congratulated the athletes on their perseverance, while Minister Mònica Bonell pledged boosted public funding for high-performance sports, including the Ski Federation, to meet elite competition demands.

Business•2 Related•May 14, 2026 • 12:46

Andorra Hotels Offer Housing, Flight Aid in Colombia Worker Pilot

Andorra advances a pilot on-hire programme with Colombia to ease hotel labour shortages. Workers gain 9-month permits amid tight quotas, with hotels subsidising housing and half flights for full-season commitment.

Politics•4 Related•May 14, 2026 • 06:46

Portugal's PM Montenegro Visits Andorra to Inaugurate Consulate, Boost Ties

Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro arrives for his inaugural official visit to Andorra on May 20. He will sign a security pact, open a new consulate for thousands of Portuguese residents, and hold high-level talks with local leaders.

Politics•4 Related•May 13, 2026 • 06:31

Andorran Government Presents Updated Disability Rights Bill to Associations

The government unveiled the latest draft of the Law Project Guaranteeing Rights of Persons with Disabilities to stakeholders. It seeks parliamentary approval before summer ends, fulfilling international commitments.

Business•2 Related•May 13, 2026 • 06:31

Andorra Hotels Propose Subsidies for Colombian Workers' Travel, Housing, Food

Andorra's hotel sector plans to subsidize 50% of flights plus full housing and meals for Colombian recruits registered with SENA, requiring a 9-month commitment to the employer.

Andorra and Occitanie Leaders Prep Cross-Border Talks on Mobility and Smuggling

Andorra's head of government Xavier Espot and Occitanie prefect Pierre André Durand discussed RN20 road safety after rockfall, railway repairs, and anti-smuggling cooperation in Toulouse preparatory meeting.

Politics•4 Related•May 08, 2026 • 18:56

Andorra downplays EFTA delay on EU association agreement

Andorra's government insists its EU association agreement remains on track despite EFTA group's lack of unanimity over the pact's classification as a mixed agreement requiring national ratifications.

Politics•4 Related•May 06, 2026 • 19:01

EU EFTA Group Fails Unanimity on Andorra Association Agreement's Legal Nature

Three EU countries' reservations halted advancement of Andorra's EU association deal from the EFTA group to Coreper, derailing spring approval and summer signing plans. Authorities await rescheduled talks amid uncertain timing controlled by EU states.

Politics•5 Related•May 05, 2026 • 07:17

Andorra's Xavier Espot Pushes Digital Protection at European Summit in Yerevan

Andorra's head of government detailed national initiatives against cyber threats and child protection at the 8th European Political Community summit. Leaders emphasized collective action on resilience and security amid geopolitical challenges.

Phase Two of RN-22 Roadworks Starts Near Pas de la Casa

France's Dirso has launched the second phase of RN-22 upgrades linking to Pas de la Casa, with alternating traffic weekdays and narrowed lanes weekends under a 30 km/h limit. Night closures planned for resurfacing.

Politics•5 Related•May 01, 2026 • 17:31

Housing Activists Disrupt Espot's Speech with Whistles During Macron's Andorra Visit

Protesters from Sindicat d’Habitatge used whistles and chants to drown out Andorra's Head of Government Xavier Espot's speech at a public event with French Coprince Emmanuel Macron. They highlighted soaring rents, evictions, and lack of stable homes, focusing ire on local leaders.

Business•5 Related•May 01, 2026 • 06:47

Andorra Approves Law Equalizing Maternity and Paternity Leave at 20 Weeks by 2030

Andorra's parliament unanimously enacts legislation to equalize maternity and paternity leave at 20 weeks by 2030, fostering work-family balance. Cross-party support highlights shared parental duties amid debates on implementation speed and gender equality consistency.

Politics•4 Related•Apr 29, 2026 • 18:31

Macron and Serrano Awarded Andorra's Highest Honor at Meritxell Sanctuary

French President Emmanuel Macron and Episcopal Co-Prince Josep-Lluís Serrano received Andorra's top distinction in a symbolic ceremony, pledging renewed service to its people amid celebrations at the historic Santuari de Meritxell.

Politics•4 Related•Apr 29, 2026 • 09:16

Andorran Feminists Urge Macron to Fully Legalize Abortion as Co-Prince

Feminist group presses French leader, in his co-prince role, for complete abortion legalisation in Andorra to match French standards and end women's travel burdens. Officials advocate balanced decriminalisation amid institutional constraints.