Andorra Debates Public Worker Reclassifications and Research-Industry Talent Office Amid Opposition Pushback

Andorra's Consell General debated public worker reclassifications and talent attraction strategies, as ministers committed to reviewing requests from over 170 public employees while outlining progress on an Office for the Transfer of Research Results (OTRI) to connect research with local businesses.

Public function and digital transformation minister Marc Rossell pledged to examine all applications from more than 170 workers who signed a document seeking review of their 2023 job classifications. He noted that many had already undergone technical reviews that year following initial postings, with responses issued in 2024—some later overturned by Batllia rulings. Rossell stressed that the government processes requests through official channels and ruled out a blanket reclassification, citing the methodology from the contract-winning firm's proposal and compliance with the 1/2019 Public Function Law. Criteria remain available on the employee portal, and recent court decisions have bolstered transparency and safeguards without invalidating the system, he said. Data collection is underway for the Technical Committee on Organisation and Management to assess affected positions. Rossell added that while procedures have been corrected, individual cases will be reconsidered if submitted properly, though prior 2024 outcomes are unlikely to change for most.

Socialdemòcrata councillor Susanna Vela challenged this, pointing to three Batllia rulings that identified absent regulations, improper consultant roles, and lack of committee input or information. She urged a full review of all positions given these procedural flaws.

In parallel discussions, Institutional Relations, Education and Universities Minister Ladislau Baró described ongoing OTRI development to link research, tech projects, and skilled professionals with Andorran firms. Concòrdia leader Cerni Escalé welcomed the plan as vital but faulted its slow progress, referencing similar ideas since 2011 amid stagnant economic structure. He demanded timelines, resources, and proof of diversification beyond foreign investment, highlighting housing costs, cross-border gaps, and shortages in healthcare, engineering, and research amid low birth rates and student outflows. Escalé referenced Malta and Cyprus, where liberalisation led to specialisation rather than broad growth, and questioned the lack of concrete successes.

Baró countered claims of 15 years of inaction, citing the Higher Education Student Register, AR+I and University of Andorra doctoral grants, entrepreneur support, an forthcoming incubation programme, and a new industrial doctorate. He tied these to international agreements and the EU association pact for quality jobs and talent retention. "Diversification does not mean scattering efforts but developing activities to boost per capita GDP while maintaining specialisation," Baró said, emphasising that recent steps have secured Andorra's foundation for progress. He confirmed OTRI commitment this term but offered no fixed timeline.