Andorran Lawmakers Split on Boosting Resources for Parish Council Minorities

Andorran Lawmakers Divided over Role and Resources for Parish Minorities

While Concòrdia and the Social Democrats call for bolstering minority groups in parish councils to improve oversight, Andorra Endavant argues there are already too many politicians at the local level.

Debate has intensified among Consell General parties over the role of minority groups in Andorra's parish councils, with stark differences emerging between calls to expand their resources and arguments for maintaining stable majorities to ensure governance.

Andorra Endavant leader Carine Montaner argued there are too many politicians at the parish level, insisting that consuls major and minor, along with senior officials, handle most of the work. "The others do their jobs, but fewer people could do it," she said, emphasizing that politicians set direction while civil servants execute tasks. Montaner stressed the need for solid majorities to avoid gridlock from minorities, drawing from her experience as a Consell minority member: "You do the best you can with the time you have."

In contrast, Concòrdia group president Cerni Escalé urged providing more resources to minorities, regardless of whether his party holds majorities in three parish coalitions or a minority in one. Greater support, he said, would enhance political oversight, enrich debates with stronger arguments, and refine proposals by highlighting flaws. "The dedication of minorities is often tough with so few people, and it needs reinforcement."

Partit Socialdemòcrata deputy group president Pere Baró agreed that minorities must have a voice, noting variations across parishes but citing Andorra la Vella as an example where they are considered. "It depends on the corporation's willingness," he added.

Guillem Forné, minority leader in La Massana parish council, highlighted practical challenges, such as reviewing months of meeting minutes after long gaps between sessions. Recent improvements include shifting meetings to Mondays for weekend preparation time, up from three days' notice. He called for at least a week's advance notice to allow consultations, amendments, and accommodations for members balancing council duties with full-time jobs.

Separately, Escaldes-Engordany deputy consul Quim Dolsa of the Consens coalition advocated broad pacts across parties, including Concòrdia and the PS, to drive national change. He plans to step back after his term but supports projects prioritizing public interest, criticizing past plans like the 2018 POUP towers for blocking sunlight in parks and eroding quality of life. "Nobody has the right to take the sun from parish parks," he said.

The discussions coincide with recent Consell General consensus on urban planning reforms, where Montaner raised related concerns about landowner rights and excavation limits during approval of a new LGOTU commission.