Deal commits to debt caps, added police and cleaning staff, license plate cameras, and €18,000 economic

Andorra la Vella council secured Junts support for its €27 million 2026 budget through a pact with Compromís, positioning the plan for likely approval at Thursday's plenary. Mayor Joan Barrera called the arrangement "transversal" politics, noting Compromís acceptance of Junts priorities that once divided them, including stable taxes like IBI, waste collection, and water rates amid inflation pressures. No further tax hikes were planned regardless, Barrera added.

Junts spokesperson Jordi Fàbrega hailed the deal as responsible governance, highlighting commitments to cap municipal debt—now at €12 million, risen from €4 million earlier in the term—and enhance security, cleaning, and lighting. Agreed measures cover license plate cameras at city entrances and high-conflict spots, three additional municipal police officers, three more cleaning staff for neighborhoods, and aid for sports clubs. Junts also gained a €18,000 boost to economic promotion grants, lifting that line to €50,000. Fàbrega flagged the budget's delay, pushing implementation to late April after public exhibition, and vowed close oversight amid lingering distrust, including past social media attacks on his group from council channels. ERC's Francesc Viaplana said talks persist, while CUP—prior government allies—called the numbers insufficiently social. Barrera insisted the budget balances social needs with realism, given execution hurdles, and pressed all parties to focus on future initiatives despite uncertainties over €50 million in external funds, mainly from the Generalitat.

Thursday's session also closed 2025 accounts with a €4.05 million surplus from €56.17 million revenues (91.24% executed) against €52.12 million expenses (84.66%). Investments hit €9.5 million liquidated (60.24%, up 25% from 2024) or €14.5 million with commitments. Debt measured €14.3 million, treasury €18.5 million. Finance councillor Quim Miró credited €21.6 million in fees exceeding targets, €15.7 million direct taxes, €8.3 million indirect, €4.9 million transfers, €0.7 million assets, and €2.6 million financials. Personnel took €20.2 million, goods/services €19.1 million. Construction rights yielded 22.93% due to a two-year moratorium, though property deals rose. Cònsol Major Sergi González praised prudent yet ambitious handling, with 60.2% investment execution and 92.4% commitments amid private construction and material cost pressures. €5.5 million remnants—mostly capital—roll into 2026, implying a €1.5 million deficit if factored in; approval passed despite minority abstentions.

Opposition leader David Astrié criticized 60% execution and reallocations as "governing in arrears," urging direct funding for Terra Vella housing over national policies seen as speculative. Housing councillor Marc Torrent backed diversification via public-private partnerships like Reviu, stressing housing demands long-term approaches. Astrié countered that the parish's strong finances warrant faster action on affordable units, questioning public-private models' effectiveness.

Canillo approved its 2025 closure Wednesday with a €2.04 million surplus on €23.4 million revenues and €21.36 million expenses. Investments executed at 51.2% (€7.76 million liquidated, €12 million authorized), debt at zero, treasury €6.45 million. Finance councillor Joan Antoni Rodríguez noted strong expense liquidation and progressing works. Cònsol Major Jordi Alcobé touted a €3 million current surplus signaling autonomy, with construction income at €1.5 million (under 5% of revenues) despite an 11-month licensing suspension.

The session greenlit a €700,000 extraordinary credit for pipes along the main road—tied to current upgrades—to support a biomass plant at the former Pla campsite, initially heating public buildings then privates with local forest fuel. Tenders for construction and management target first-half 2027, with firms handling investment and operations. Other approvals: €200,000 for a 2,100 sqm mural by Samantha Bosque at Sella roundabout (local motifs, post-Easter start); €300,000 extra snow removal; €569,355 sports grants; €8,500 social aid; €232,341 Tarter sidewalk repairs by Occitalia; and purchase of Callissa de Roda land.

Encamp closed 2025 Thursday with nearly €8 million surplus on €45.2 million revenues, €10.7 million investments (up 45%), and €12.6 million debt. Cònsol Major Laura Mas attributed gains to spending controls and construction/ITP rises. Avancem's Marta Pujol faulted limited housing pushes, like ITP cuts.