Concòrdia to Force Debate on Curbing Confidentiality Clauses in Andorra Turisme Contracts

The opposition group Concòrdia plans to force a public debate in the Consell General on limiting confidentiality clauses in Andorra Turisme contracts, using a reservation of amendment ahead of the Tourism Law's final approval.

The group will present the measure during the 30 October session, where the chamber will also give definitive approval to the new Tourism Law. Sources from Concòrdia confirmed they will support the law overall but insist on greater oversight of the public entity's practices. They highlighted that high-value contracts often include confidentiality clauses, which they argue require more public scrutiny and transparency.

The proposal stems from controversy over Andorra Turisme's refusal to disclose costs for the Andorra Cycling Masters. Concòrdia sought to add a final provision to the Tourism Law stating that such clauses could only be included if explicitly requested by the contracting party and justified by reasons of general interest. The clause would also require approval from the Council of Ministers and could not obscure the contract's purpose, amount, or duration, while upholding principles of transparency and public disclosure.

The amendment gained unanimous backing from opposition parties—Concòrdia, Partit Socialdemòcrata, and Andorra Endavant—during committee review but was rejected by the majority of Demòcrates and Ciutadans Compromesos. Led by Cerni Escalé, Concòrdia is now making a final push via reservation of amendment, which allows plenary debate and voting on committee-rejected changes.

The group maintains that confidentiality should be exceptional and aims to ensure citizens know how public funds are spent by the entity. While the Tourism Law is expected to pass unanimously, the majority appears unlikely to shift its stance on the amendment.