Andorra's Espot Defends Housing Record in Farewell Speech

Xavier Espot used his final orientation debate speech at the Consell General on Friday to defend the government's housing record, accusing opposition parties of obstructing progress and exploiting the crisis for political advantage rather than proposing viable solutions.

Delivering the address to conclude eight years as head of government over two legislatures, Espot outlined key achievements, including more than 143 million euros invested in public housing stock. He pointed to the rental contract registry, now with 5,510 entries at an average of 13.9 euros per square metre, a 99% reduction in foreign real estate investment, and stricter fraud controls that opened 32 sanction files since 2022 and imposed over 190,000 euros in fines from 2024 alone. These efforts have returned more than 1,530 homes to the residential market, among them 466 units with habitability exceptions and 363 former tourist apartments.

Espot also detailed tenant protections such as a seven-year rent freeze, 226 protected rental allocations aiming for 500 by term's end, and 28 grants for first-time buyers covering interest payments. A 21.6 million euro fund—potentially rising to 35 million euros from an 88 million euro surplus without added debt—will support 150 additional units.

He firmly backed the rent contract defrosting law, describing it as neither total nor immediate liberalisation but a gradual transition with safeguards for residents, though he acknowledged the need for complementary measures. To address this, Espot announced approval in coming days of an ambitious aid program for households spending over 30% of income on rent. It will cover those impacted by defrosting, contracts signed from 2022 onward, or new leases. In parallel, the government and communes will launch a plan offering financial, tax, and urban incentives to private individuals or firms building affordable rental housing, locked at set prices for a fixed period.

The speech touched on other fronts. EU association negotiations remain stalled awaiting the Commission's legal assessment, with Espot restating the referendum pledge and noting French co-prince Emmanuel Macron's support. Pension reform has made no headway, now resting with the Consell General. Abortion decriminalisation efforts proceed cautiously due to Vatican ties: plans paused after Pope Francis's death, despite advanced stages signalled by Cardinal Parolin's visit. Under Pope Leo XIV, changes are confined to removing women from the penal code, with two reports pending from Rome. Minister Ladislau Baró stressed the Holy See does not dictate—the Consell General holds authority.

Reflecting on his first term under a liberal coalition amid Covid-19, Espot called on his Democrats for Andorra successor to continue and pressed opposition for clear stances on these issues.