Andorra Ministers Secure Shelter for Homeless Man in Parc Central After Alerts

Ministers Trini Marín and Ester Molné confirmed on Wednesday that social services arranged overnight accommodation for a well-known homeless man who slept outdoors for at least two nights in Andorra la Vella's Parc Central, after police and media alerts prompted action.

The man, described by Marín of the Social Affairs Department as familiar from previous interventions, knows the available resources well but did not request help this time. Services had provided support before, including psychologists and educators to ensure compliance with aid conditions, though challenges arose in some cases. Marín stressed that the department only learned of the recent situation through media reports and a police notification following the second night. Officers immediately referred the case, enabling social workers to secure lodging. "Once we became aware, the protocol activated because it is our duty," she said, adding that anyone in need has a legal right to assistance but can refuse it. Without Batllia approval, forced intervention remains impossible.

Marín refuted earlier suggestions of two individuals involved, confirming police checks identified only one, possibly spotted on separate occasions. She denied the man is under departmental guardianship, citing data protection limits on discussing his housing or family circumstances, and insisted services had never withheld aid.

Molné, overseeing Justice and Interior, described the episode as a rare, isolated incident handled through inter-ministerial protocols, potentially involving Health. Sleeping rough is legal in Andorra, unlike begging, she noted. Severe mental health cases may trigger incapacity proceedings or compulsory admission if the person lacks awareness, with each assessed individually and resolved effectively.

Both ministers highlighted automatic safeguards upon notification to avoid repeats, emphasising coordinated efforts across departments. Marín clarified that protocols trigger whether initiated by the individual, park security via police, or other alerts.