Andorra Opposition Split on Empowering Parish Council Minorities

Opposition parties in the General Council are divided over the role of minority groups in Andorra's parish councils (comuns), with some calling for more resources to strengthen oversight and debate, while others argue for preserving the current system to ensure stable governance.

Carine Montaner, president of the Andorra Endavant parliamentary group, said there are too many politicians at the parish level. She emphasised that consuls major and minor, along with senior officials, handle most of the work, while other councillors could achieve the same with fewer people. "Politicians set the direction, manage, and make decisions, but officials do the actual work," she told news agencies. Montaner insisted on maintaining solid majorities in parishes to avoid gridlock from minorities, drawing from her own experience in opposition at the General Council. She likened parish politics to part-time council work, adding that minorities should make the best use of limited time available.

In contrast, Cerni Escalé, president of the Concòrdia parliamentary group, advocated providing more support to minority politicians. Concòrdia currently holds majorities via coalitions in three parishes and a minority in one, but Escalé said this should not matter. Strong monitoring of political work, richer debates with better arguments, and refined proposals all depend on empowered minorities, he argued. Their often challenging dedication—due to small numbers—needs reinforcement to highlight flaws and improve governance.

Pere Baró, deputy president of the Social Democrat Party's parliamentary group, agreed that minorities must have a voice. He noted variations across parishes, with some councils more attentive than others, but cited Andorra la Vella—where he has most experience—as an example of good practice. Ultimately, he said, it comes down to the willingness of each parish corporation.

Guillem Forné, leader of the minority in La Massana parish, shared practical challenges. Reviewing full agendas, especially after two-month gaps, is daunting when incorporating minutes from all interim meetings to check approvals or prepare questions. Sessions have improved by moving to Mondays, giving a weekend for review after typical three-day notice periods—previously, calls came Monday for Thursday meetings. Forné called for at least one week's advance notice from summons to full council, allowing time to consult supporters, prepare amendments, or adjust work schedules. "We all use hours from our jobs for parish duties, adapting when workloads spike," he said.