Andorra's Espot Defends Government Legitimacy Despite Poll Slump

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot, defended his administration's legitimacy to govern through the end of the current term despite poor results in the latest AR+I political survey, released on Monday. Speaking in Encamp on Tuesday, Espot acknowledged the findings left him dissatisfied, though he had anticipated them.

The survey showed Concòrdia overtaking Demòcrates in combined voting intention and sympathy, while the government received an overall failing grade. Espot noted his personal approval rating dropped to 6.1 out of 10—still passing after years in office and expected wear—but lower than rivals like Cerni Escalé, who scored 6.5 and topped citizen evaluations. Pere Baró also outranked him. Espot pointed out that nearly all respondents knew him, compared to 60-70% awareness for others, which he said penalised his score. He remains the politician inspiring most trust, with 38% naming him versus 20% for Escalé.

More than 50% of respondents approved the government's management, Espot stressed, but low marks from others pulled the average down. He rejected excuses, insisting the results prompt self-reflection on improvements. He blamed much public discontent on two major challenges: housing and demographic growth. Despite extensive measures already taken, he called for further action and better communication of policies.

As an example, Espot highlighted the upcoming rental market deregulation law, due for General Council approval on Thursday. Public perception of it as a simple thaw, he said, misrepresents its protective and safeguard-focused intent.

Espot contextualised the dip by comparing it to a prior survey near the end of Toni Martí's second term, when the opposition also led amid unpopular reforms and leadership uncertainty. He expressed confidence that once Demòcrates names a successor—potentially Ladislau Baró or another—and presents a centrist platform, support will rebound.

The head of government dismissed pressure from Escalé and Carine Montaner to accelerate timelines, accusing them of prioritising campaigns over parliamentary duties. His focus remains on governing responsibly until the legislature ends, without rushing a successor announcement.