Andorra's PM Espot Defends Housing Record in Final Debate

Andorra's Prime Minister Xavier Espot opened his final political orientation debate in the Consell General by defending the government's housing record and accusing opposition parties of repeatedly blocking, criticising and delaying initiatives for political gain.

Speaking on Friday ahead of his departure from office, Espot highlighted achievements including more than €143 million invested in public housing stock, a rental contract registry known as SICAR with 5,510 entries at an average €13.90 per square metre, a 99% reduction in foreign property investment over three years, and over 30 applications processed for first-time buyer aids. He noted that controls on frauds such as the "child trap"—fake claims of personal or family use to reclaim rentals—have led to 132 reports since 2022, 35 sanction proceedings and fines exceeding €190,000 since 2024. These measures have returned more than 1,530 homes to the residential market, among them 466 below habitability standards and 363 former tourist apartments.

Espot described recent rental law changes, which end mandatory extensions, as a gradual transition with protections for tenants rather than full deregulation. He acknowledged the housing crisis's roots in decades without structural public policy and recognised public concerns, including from street protests and meetings with economic and social groups. The crisis has affected young people seeking independence, families needing stability and elderly residents aiming to age in place.

To address it further, Espot announced approval in coming days of an ambitious rental aid programme for households spending more than 30% of income on rent. It will cover those affected by the reforms, as well as post-2022 contracts, forced extensions or new leases. In partnership with Comuns, the government will also launch incentives—financial, fiscal and planning—for private builders offering long-term affordable rentals.

Espot pledged €35 million from the 2025 budget surplus to expand public housing, aiming for over 500 units by legislature's end: 259 built or under construction, and 224 acquired or leased. He also committed to reviewing the minimum wage in July—earlier than the standard January schedule—to counter six months of cost increases, building on a 45% rise since 2019 to €1,525.33 monthly. This will raise related benefits, including €5.7 million for disability pensions and €9.4 million for elderly ones.

In a broader balance of his tenure, Espot contrasted current challenges from economic growth with past recession issues like high unemployment and debt, stating Andorra in 2026 is "indisputably better" than in 2011. He outlined other plans, including a 2026 Barnahus-inspired facility for child protection in judicial processes, an innovation bill this autumn creating a national council with business, university and civil society input, and justice reforms for a more efficient system. On abortion, he reiterated no advances without prior Episcopal Co-Prince approval to safeguard institutions. Regarding the EU association agreement, he defended it as strengthening sovereignty, with a referendum to follow EU institutional steps and no renegotiation possible.