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Andorra's Espot Slams Opposition on Abortion, Housing Bills Amid Protests

Andorra's leader Xavier Espot rejected opposition amendments to penal code abortion changes and rental deregulation, accusing them of extremism. Housing group SHA urged Co-princes to address crisis ahead of Macron's visit, planning demonstrations.

Key Points

  • Espot calls opposition's abortion amendments 'absolutely incompatible' with Andorra's institutions, warns of constitutional risks.
  • Criticizes Concòrdia's blank amendment as political posturing and PS for tenant bias in rental deregulation opposition.
  • SHA protests housing crisis to Co-princes' delegates before Macron visit, slams bill for lacking tenant protections.
  • Espot welcomes peaceful protests, expects Macron to note housing issue without intervening.

Xavier Espot, Andorra's head of government, sharply criticised opposition parties Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS) and Concòrdia over their proposed amendments to changes in the penal code on abortion and to the government's rental market deregulation bill.

Speaking during Sant Jordi celebrations, Espot described the opposition's abortion proposals as "absolutely incompatible" with preserving the country's institutional framework. He warned that full decriminalisation or legalisation, if not properly framed, would amount to "dooming the Co-principality". The majority would offer no support, he said, urging both parties to explain to citizens the potential consequences, including possible institutional uncertainty or a constitutional process—something he deemed untimely amid a challenging geopolitical context.

Espot specifically targeted Concòrdia's blank amendment as meaningless "political tightrope-walking", unfit for a party aspiring to govern. He contrasted this with his Democrats party's approach of seeking "central, balanced, consensual" solutions that prioritise the general interest over maximalist positions satisfying only one side.

On housing, Espot accused PS and Concòrdia of favouring tenants exclusively, ignoring property owners—many not large holders—and risking long-term market contraction by discouraging new rental supply. The government's bill, he noted, stems from consultations with nearly 200 owners and the housing syndicate, aiming for equilibrium that may not fully please either tenants or landlords. Opposition proposals would find no backing, he added.

Meanwhile, the Sindicat d’Habitatge d’Andorra (SHA) sent letters to the Co-princes' delegates—Emmanuel Macron and Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat—ahead of Macron's upcoming visit to Plaça del Poble. The letters highlight growing social discontent over the housing crisis, which the group says undermines human dignity, life stability and the ability to remain in the country.

Emerging from 2023 protests, SHA described its stance as proactive but criticised the 2027-2030 deregulation bill for failing to address root causes or incorporate its demands. The measure, they argue, offers only gradual deregulation without tenant protections, leading to instability, higher prices and "new forms of residential expulsion".

The group defended planned demonstrations during Macron's event as democratic, peaceful pressure—not institutional disrespect—but an exercise of free expression amid an "unsustainable" situation and government refusal to treat demands as urgent. They warned of rising social tension unseen since 1933 if issues persist, stressing they seek to avert any breach of social peace.

Espot welcomed protests if conducted with courtesy, respect and pacifism, while stressing housing as a domestic matter for executive and legislative resolution. He expected Macron to address it in his speech, given its prominence, without direct intervention. Government spokesperson Guillem Casal echoed respect for the SHA's call, provided it stays within legal bounds, noting no major police changes anticipated.

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