Andorra's Espot Slams Opposition Over EU Deal Misinformation, Defends Path Forward

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot, has accused the opposition Concòrdia of misleading the public by suggesting that renegotiating the association agreement with the European Union would be straightforward.

Speaking during a visit to the 32nd edition of Andflora in La Massana, Espot pointed to recent delays in the EFTA process as evidence of the agreement's complexity. Last Tuesday's meeting of the EFTA technical group ended without consensus, preventing the text from advancing to the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) and, subsequently, the EU Council. He acknowledged that this lack of agreement "perhaps does not help" build public confidence in the deal but stressed that finalising it after a decade of negotiations remains far from simple.

Espot defended the current path, noting endorsements from French President Emmanuel Macron and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro during their visits to the Principality. Andorra, he said, faces "an opportunity within reach that we will not see again." He dismissed renegotiation outright, calling it "not feasible and not a serious possibility," adding that citizens deserve the truth on the matter.

On housing, Espot backed the government's rental deregulation bill, criticising opposition parties for exploiting the debate. He claimed some groups align themselves with the Housing Union banner while offering amendments that fail to address its core demands. The executive, he said, will continue pursuing tenant protections and expanding the public housing stock, which will exceed 500 units this term.

Asked about his successor at Democrats for Andorra (DA), following his departure last November, Espot avoided endorsing any individual but praised Relations, Education and Universities Minister Ladislau Baró for his experience, reliability and commitment to the party's centrist, moderate line. He noted other strong candidates within DA and emphasised that internal consultations are ongoing, with no rush more than a year before elections. "There is much work ahead," he said, prioritising other issues over the leadership search.