Andorra's PS Launches Open Primaries for 2027 Head of Government Candidate

The Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS) has launched an open primaries process to select its candidate for head of government ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party's Steering Committee approved the regulations and electoral calendar on Monday, with the candidacy submission period opening on Tuesday, June 2, and closing on June 8 at noon.

Prospective candidates must meet statutory requirements, including six months of party membership and support from at least 25 militants. Signature collection follows until June 15 at noon, after which a candidatures commission—made up of Steering Committee members and coordinated by Organisation Secretary Maria Nazzaro—will validate submissions. A single valid candidacy will be automatically proclaimed the nominee. Multiple valid entries will trigger an internal campaign leading to a vote on June 25. Ties prompt a runoff on June 30.

The process extends beyond party members: Andorran citizens and foreign residents can participate by signing a statement affirming shared social democratic principles. PS officials present it as a commitment to democratic participation and citizen involvement in shaping the party's platform. Members holding elected parish council positions must resign beforehand, as law bars combining local representation with a national candidacy.

PS President Pere Baró, seen as a leading contender and current General Councillor, has not confirmed his run. He stressed his readiness to serve wherever the party needs him, stating he has never declared candidacy and would support a colleague if selected. Baró highlighted recent AR+I polling showing Concòrdia ahead in voting intention and Demòcrates per Andorra losing ground after over a decade in power. He urged caution in interpreting the survey due to Andorra's small sample size and non-response rates, while noting its value for identifying strengths and weaknesses. Baró called the decline of the governing party the poll's key positive for the PS, renewing talk of a progressive shift in 2027 led by his formation alongside Concòrdia and others.

Filmmaker Josep Guirao, a PS member since its founding and president of the unregistered Partit Pirata, has announced his bid. He prioritises alliances with Concòrdia and even Andorra Endavant to oust Demòcrates, citing needs like housing, speculation, transparency and digital rights.