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200 Rally in Andorra Against Rental Deregulation Bill Amid Eviction Fears

Protesters decry 'programmed expulsion' from lack of rent caps and protections, as opposition pushes amendments and government touts public housing expansion.

Key Points

  • 200 rallied in Andorra against rental deregulation bill phasing out controls by 2030
  • Protesters fear evictions and rent hikes without caps, protections, or registry
  • Opposition parties propose amendments for tenant rights, price index, and public housing
  • Government promotes 150 new public units and first-home guarantees amid crisis

Around 200 people rallied last Tuesday in Plaça del Consell General against the government's rental deregulation bill, set to phase out controls from 2027 to 2030 under Law 24/2023. Organised by Sindicat d’Habitatge d’Andorra (SHA) leader Rebeca Bonache, protesters called the plan "programmed expulsion" and recounted evictions alongside steep rent hikes impacting healthcare staff, young residents, families and retirees. Chants included "Govern, escolta, el poble es revolta" and "ni un euro més, abaixem els lloguers". Bonache highlighted the lack of wage-linked caps, eviction protections and a public registry, cautioning against a split market that risks community breakdown. She called for a bigger protest on May 16 to demand a price index and mandatory relocation support before any evictions.

Support came from Unió Sindical d’Andorra (USdA) leaders Gabriel Ubach and Joan Torra, Concòrdia councillors Cerni Escalé and Núria Segués, and Socialdemòcrates (PS) member Pere Baró. Ubach drew parallels to Monaco, where low-wage workers travel from nearby areas due to local prices. Baró termed deregulation without safeguards "social suicide".

Opposition parties submitted amendments after Wednesday's deadline. PS sought a complete overhaul, citing gaps in registry, index and public housing amid a policy-fuelled "unprecedented crisis". Andorra Endavant pushed for a one-week delay to include supply incentives and tenant protections. Concòrdia proposed caps above €12.90/m² tied to the IPC, graduated affordable rates, tenant rights, anti-speculation taxes and a foreign buyer pause. Escalé dubbed it a "political survival law", as 80m² flats near median salaries (€2,200-2,300) following 27% rent growth since 2013.

Real estate perspectives varied. AGIA president Jordi Ribó cited Andorra's draw from La Seu d'Urgell and French border areas to support swift deregulation. Escaldes-Engordany Cònsol Rosa Gili noted her parish's role in the Sicar system.

The government has held firm, with spokesperson Guillem Casal offering "respect and empathy" while deferring changes to parliament and stressing the bill's balance. Head of Government Xavier Espot emphasised public housing growth and tenant assistance. Housing Minister Conxita Marsol outlined 150 new public units from repurposed or fresh builds, targeting 650 by term's end. The first-home guarantee programme has supported 25 purchases (€52,000 disbursed), with off-plan reviews in 3-4 months. Recent announcements confirm plans to extend guarantees to off-plan sales.

Amendments remain due by April 30, as opposition warns of further street protests if the bill proceeds unaltered.

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