Gerard Alís Confirmed as PS Lead Candidate for Andorra's 2027 Elections

Gerard Alís has been officially validated as the Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS) lead candidate for head of government in the 2027 general elections, following the party's steering committee meeting on Thursday.

The lawyer, who served as general councillor from 2015 to 2019 and PS first secretary from 2019 to 2023, was the only candidate to formally enter the primaries process launched weeks ago. He secured the necessary signatures and endorsements, emerging as a consensus choice after party sectors converged to back him over president Pere Baró. Alís, who has represented Andorra at the Council of Europe's GRECO and advised on anti-corruption efforts, appeared alongside Baró after the validation.

Baró, once seen as the frontrunner, stepped aside following personal reflection and party consultations. "It is not my moment," he said, describing Alís as highly capable and affirming, "He has my support and that of the party." Baró will remain party president, continuing his work in the General Council to mobilise undecided voters. He emphasised the PS's 25-year foundation and vowed to make Alís head of government, adding, "The PS is going to win the elections; otherwise, we wouldn't run."

Alís expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, rooted in his firm belief in the PS project to promote equal opportunities, balance and rights. He pointed to Andorra's contrasting realities: robust economic growth alongside declining purchasing power, youth unable to emancipate, retirees departing and unprecedented protests—issues affecting his family and friends. Housing access and young people's independence emerged as key priorities. "I believe it's the moment when we can govern," Alís said, aiming for a country where "everyone can live."

He praised Baró as embodying the party's young talent and confirmed his desire to include him on the election list. Alís outlined a clear roadmap from the start, unlike rivals' piecemeal policies, to unite the left and centre-left, rebuild trust and drive government change. While defending the national programme independently, the PS plans joint parish lists with progressive allies like Concòrdia.

The PS faces headwinds after securing 21.05% of national votes in 2023 as the third force, losing parish ground and undergoing leadership shifts. Recent Andorra Recerca + Innovació polling shows 5% direct voting intention, rising to 11.7% with sympathies, and a potential 20% voter shift to Concòrdia. Baró ranked second in leader approval at 5.6. Alís dismissed the forecasts, focusing on hidden votes and alliances in territorial circumscriptions.