Andorra Approves Capacity Studies for 6 Parishes, Excludes Escaldes-Engordany Over Delays

Tensions between the Andorran government and Escaldes-Engordany parish council have intensified over maximum carrying capacity studies required for sustainable urban planning.

On Wednesday, Minister Spokesperson Guillem Casal announced that the Council of Ministers had approved mandatory reports for six of the seven parishes, assessing their infrastructure's ability to handle projected demographic growth over the next decade. The reports cover key areas including water supply, wastewater management, energy distribution, waste handling, mobility, and land management. Casal described the step as crucial for implementing the 2022 Law on Promoting Sustainable Urban and Tourism Development, which mandates these studies to base planning on objective capacity limits rather than demand alone.

Escaldes-Engordany remains the exception, as it has not yet submitted complementary information requested months ago, preventing issuance of its report. Casal noted that the parish was also the last to deliver its initial studies a year ago, calling the delay consistent with its working pace. He urged the council to comply with the legal obligation, adding that formations there often highlight sustainable growth yet fail to follow through, while most other parishes demonstrate commitment.

In response, Escaldes-Engordany officials expressed surprise at Casal's public remarks, arguing the issue is technical and could have been resolved with a phone call rather than press statements. They said the matter has been forwarded to technical services, with documents to be sent soon—specifically related to sewerage sizing, which they view as non-urgent. Cònsol Major Rosa Gili attributed the criticism to political nervousness from recent polls and a fixation on her council, using it to deflect shortcomings.

Escaldes also highlighted its exclusion from a Monday meeting on the General Law on Territorial Planning and Urbanism (LOGTU), which included other parishes and affects national urban futures. Government sources justified the omission, stating the session was for those who had completed documentation; Andorra la Vella was informed despite its leaders' absence.

The parish defended its sustainability record, citing pioneering welfare measures and noting that tower expansions at Clot d'Emprivat were approved under a prior Democratic-led mandate when current Interior Minister Trini Marín served as its cònsol major. It has requested government data on mobility, health, and energy to complete a full diagnosis on accommodating large buildings, insisting on national-level studies.

Both sides called for collaboration over confrontation. Escaldes stressed citizens expect solutions and shared vision, while Casal emphasized advancing governance through real capacity assessments. The studies will return to parishes for final approval and integration into urban plans, paving the way for a national overview.